South Korean Prosecutor General Calls for Investigation Committee to Review First Lady’s Luxury BagCase
Seoul, August 23, 2024– The South Korean Prosecutor General, Lee Won-seok, has requested an investigation review committee to conduct a final review of the case involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s alleged receipt of luxury handbags. The move, announced by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office on Wednesday, aims to ensure fairness in the case’s handling.
The case, which has garnered significant public attention, revolves around allegations that Kim Keon-hee received luxury handbags from individuals seeking favors from her husband, President Yoon Suk-yeol. While the prosecution previously concluded thather actions did not constitute a violation of the Anti-Corruption Act (Act on the Prohibition of Receiving Improper Solicitation and Property), the Prosecutor General has decided to seek external input from the investigation review committee.
The decision to convene the committeecame after Prosecutor Lee Chang-soo, head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, presented his findings to the Prosecutor General on Tuesday. While Lee Won-seok acknowledged the sufficiency of the evidence and legal interpretation presented by the Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office, he cited the high public interest in the case andthe need to avoid controversy as reasons for seeking further review.
The investigation review committee, comprised of 15 randomly selected external experts from a pool of 150 to 300 individuals, will be tasked with examining the case and providing recommendations. The committee will allow relevant parties to present their arguments duringthe review process. Notably, the committee’s recommendations are not binding, but the Prosecutor General is obligated to respect them.
The Prosecutor General’s decision to refer the case to the investigation review committee has been met with mixed reactions. Some observers view it as a necessary step to ensure transparency and public trustin the judicial process, particularly given the high-profile nature of the case. Others, however, see it as a potential delay tactic and a sign of political pressure on the prosecution.
The investigation review committee’s findings will be crucial in determining the future course of the case. If the committee recommends further investigation,the prosecution may be forced to reopen the case and potentially file charges against the First Lady. However, if the committee upholds the initial findings, it is likely to bring a definitive end to the investigation.
The case has been a source of significant controversy since it first emerged earlier this year. Critics have accused the FirstLady of using her position for personal gain and have called for a thorough investigation into her activities. Supporters, however, have defended her, arguing that the allegations are politically motivated and lack credible evidence.
The investigation review committee’s decision is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The outcome of the review will havesignificant implications for the First Lady, the President, and the South Korean political landscape as a whole.
Background:
- The investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s alleged receipt of luxury handbags began in early 2024 following reports in the South Korean media.
- The prosecution initiallyfocused on whether the First Lady’s actions violated the Anti-Corruption Act.
- After concluding that the evidence did not support a violation of the Act, the prosecution recommended closing the case.
- The Prosecutor General, however, decided to refer the case to the investigation review committee for further review.
KeyPlayers:
- Kim Keon-hee: First Lady of South Korea
- Yoon Suk-yeol: President of South Korea
- Lee Won-seok: Prosecutor General of South Korea
- Lee Chang-soo: Head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office
Implications:
- The investigation review committee’s decision will determine the future course of the case.
- The case has the potential to impact the President’s approval ratings and the ruling party’s popularity.
- The outcome of the review will also have implications for the South Korean judicial system’s independence andtransparency.
【来源】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240823004300881?section=politics/index&input=rss
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