‘Customs Drug Investigation Pressure Allegations’ Investigation Order Criticism
“Direct Intervention in Investigation Without Justice Minister’s Approval”, ‘[Edaily Reporter Hye-mi Kwon] Reform Party Leader Lee Jun-seok strongly criticized President Lee Jae-myung, comparing him to former President Yoon Seok-youl, regarding the allegations of external pressure on a customs drug investigation.’,
, ‘On the 12th, Lee mentioned on his Facebook that President Lee instructed to reinforce the investigation team at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office that is investigating the allegations, including the initial whistleblower Police Officer Baek Hae-ryong.’,
, ‘Lee pointed out, “This is clearly a violation of Article 8 of the Public Prosecutors’ Office Act, which is direct intervention in investigations without going through the Minister of Justice.”’,
, ‘Lee said, “During the 2022 presidential election, some young people gave former President Yoon the nickname ‘Lee Jae-myung who doesn’t give money.’ Conversely, President Lee is ‘Yoon Seok-youl who gives money’,” and added, “Both seem like they might get angry and swear, and they do not easily forget what bothers them.”’,
, ‘He continued, “Passage of entrance, Kim Jong-in’s dismissal, the great whale search, Expo incident, and the deeply scarring ‘find the fraudulent election martial law’ on the public. I described Yoon’s mental state at that time as ‘loneliness,’ and the problems seen in President Lee also seem to stem from loneliness and impatience.”’,
, ‘He criticized, “The president, having access to much more information than us, may be more urgent and anxious, but it is precisely in such times that one should beware of shortcuts.”’,
, ‘Continuing to mention former President Yoon, Lee stated, “No matter how haphazardly Yoon was involved in politics, he believed that by taking down just Lee Jae-myung, he could win the general election and become a sage king. However, if ‘Yoon Seok-youl who gives money,’ this current President, makes the same choice now, that would indeed be historical irony.”’,
, ‘Lee also added, “The president should not leave difficult matters to people like Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho or Assemblyman Kim Young-jin because of a temper, but should listen to their difficult words instead.” He emphasized, “What President Lee needs are not aides avoiding the president’s temperamental outbursts, but at least aides who have enough professional awareness reflecting the salary they receive.”’,
, ‘Meanwhile, the presidential spokesperson’s office announced to the media the previous day, “President Lee has asked for a more thorough investigation regarding the ‘Customs Drug Investigation Pressure Allegations’ joint investigation team of prosecutors and police currently set up at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office.”’,
, ‘The spokesperson’s office reported that “President Lee has dispatched Police Officer Baek Hae-ryong to the joint investigation team, reinforced the team, and directed Im Eun-jeong, the chief prosecutor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office, to add more prosecutors if necessary, to thoroughly uncover the substantial truth behind various suspicions and rigorously investigate independently, leaving no aspect untouched, irrespective of rank or position.”’,
, ‘The allegations of external pressure in the Incheon Customs drug case involve claims first raised in September 2023 by Police Officer Baek Hae-ryong, then the head of the drug investigation team at the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station, about the collusion of customs officers in drug smuggling. When the investigation was expanded, it was alleged that senior police officials and the presidential office exerted pressure to halt the investigation.’