Prosecutor General Lee One-seok has stated that the prosecution will continue to investigate the alleged luxury gift case involving first lady Kim Keon Hee in accordance with legal principles, despite a recent reshuffle of senior prosecutors involved in the case. The controversial reshuffle saw Lee Chang-soo, a prosecutor known to be close to President Yoon Suk Yeol, appointed as the new head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, which is handling the investigation into the first lady. This move, along with the replacement of all four deputy chief prosecutors under the previous head, has raised concerns about potential interference in the ongoing probe. In response to questions about the reshuffle, Prosecutor General Lee expressed his trust in the prosecutors and the investigation team, emphasizing that the reshuffle is a separate matter from the ongoing investigation. However, his silence and pained expression when asked about potential conflicts with the presidential office suggest underlying discomfort with the situation. The reshuffle follows the establishment of a dedicated investigation team for the first lady's case and the questioning of Korean American pastor Choi Jae-young as a suspect in the alleged violation of anti-graft laws, trespassing, and obstruction of official duties. Additionally, Voice of Seoul, an internet news outlet, has filed a complaint against President Yoon and the first lady on suspicions of bribery and anti-graft law violations.
Prosecutor General Lee One-seok has stated that the prosecution will continue to investigate the alleged luxury gift case involving first lady Kim Keon Hee in accordance with legal principles, despite a recent reshuffle of senior prosecutors involved in the case. The controversial reshuffle saw Lee Chang-soo, a prosecutor known to be close to President Yoon Suk Yeol, appointed as the new head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, which is handling the investigation into the first lady. This move, along with the replacement of all four deputy chief prosecutors under the previous head, has raised concerns about potential interference in the ongoing probe. In response to questions about the reshuffle, Prosecutor General Lee expressed his trust in the prosecutors and the investigation team, emphasizing that the reshuffle is a separate matter from the ongoing investigation. However, his silence and pained expression when asked about potential conflicts with the presidential office suggest underlying discomfort with the situation. The reshuffle follows the establishment of a dedicated investigation team for the first lady's case and the questioning of Korean American pastor Choi Jae-young as a suspect in the alleged violation of anti-graft laws, trespassing, and obstruction of official duties. Additionally, Voice of Seoul, an internet news outlet, has filed a complaint against President Yoon and the first lady on suspicions of bribery and anti-graft law violations.