Suspicions of Leaked Investigation Materials on Candidate Kim Seung-won

Representative Kim Hyun-jung pointed out that Kim & Chang Law Firm represents numerous MBK Partners cases and has recruited prosecutors who previously investigated candidate Kim Seung-won. Based on this, she raised concerns that if candidate Kim Seung-won were to be appointed Minister of Justice, MBK-related investigations could be affected, suggesting this is an offensive.

Candidate Kim Seung-won was booked and investigated on charges of bribery during the Yoon Seok-yeol administration but ultimately received a suspension of indictment due to a lack of clear evidence to support the charges. Candidate Kim Seung-won's side had even filed a constitutional petition at the time, refusing to acknowledge the charges.

MBK Partners is criticized for acquiring Homeplus through irresponsible leveraged management and then selling off valuable and profitable assets, perpetrating anti-social M&A that forced countless subcontractors and workers onto the streets. Currently, key executives of MBK Partners are under prosecutorial investigation.

Kim & Chang is known to have recently recruited the former chief prosecutor and department head who investigated the case against candidate Kim Seung-won, which was concluded with a suspension of indictment. Due to this background, the possibility that Kim & Chang is a key link in the leak of investigation materials is being raised. Analysis suggests that MBK Partners has a deep vested interest due to the potential impact on its related investigations if candidate Kim Seung-won is appointed Minister of Justice.

Representative Han Dong-hoon is continuing his offensive by targeting suspicions of candidate Kim Seung-won's lobbying for new drug trial approval, successively disclosing call recordings and investigation materials. In response, the Democratic Party is criticizing the inappropriate manner in which Representative Han Dong-hoon acquired these materials and is considering reporting him to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

Conservative media already believes that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration cannot be maintained through Jang Dong-hyeok and should promote Han Dong-hoon. In this context, it is analyzed that as Representative Han Dong-hoon takes the lead in shaking up Kim Seung-won, conservative media is eager to promote Representative Han Dong-hoon. This is interpreted as a strategy to strengthen his political standing by reigniting an already concluded case.

Suspicions are being raised that Representative Han Dong-hoon illegally acquired investigation materials. It is pointed out that if this fact is revealed, it could be a major blow to Representative Han Dong-hoon himself. The possibility of cooperation with Representative Jang Dong-hyeok's side is also being mentioned.

The Democratic Party raised the possibility of investigation material leaks, questioning how Representative Han Dong-hoon obtained the recordings. Representative Kim Dong-a reported the person who provided the materials to Representative Han Dong-hoon to the CIO. In response, Representative Han Dong-hoon refuted by citing a past instance where the Democratic Party disclosed prosecutor Park Sang-yong's recording.

Prosecutor Park Sang-yong's recording case is different in nature because it was material that the prosecution did not target for investigation and concealed. In contrast, candidate Kim Seung-won's case differs in that it is an attempt to leak investigation materials that have already been concluded with a suspension of indictment. This suggests that, as with former Representative Kim Nam-guk's coin case, little progress may be made even with a reinvestigation.

Former Minister Cho Kuk claimed that his remarks about the possibility of Chairman Lee Jae-myung's guilt were an objective diagnosis based on the legal principles of the Supreme Court's remand decision. He reiterated that a dismissal of indictment through an amendment to the false statement law, rather than a withdrawal of prosecution, was the proper approach, showing an attempt to adjust his stance. In response, criticism of former Minister Cho Kuk's actions and arrogance continued within the political sphere.

Criticism is being raised that former Minister Cho Kuk's act of blaming others' misinterpretations for misunderstandings caused by his own statements is an irresponsible attitude. It is pointed out that a responsible politician should take responsibility for the consequences of causing misunderstandings through their own published words. Analysis suggests that such an attitude could make it difficult to regain favor within the democratic progressive camp. Additionally, criticism was raised that politics focusing solely on supporters risks being confined to a 2% party.

It was pointed out that former Minister Cho Kuk's proposal of a dismissal of indictment through a legal amendment is tantamount to admitting Chairman Lee Jae-myung's guilt. The true orthodox approach, it was argued, is to expose the Yoon Seok-yeol prosecution's abuse of investigative powers, illegal evidence collection, and flawed investigations, punish those responsible, and proceed with a withdrawal of prosecution. Concerns were also raised that the legal amendment could be criticized as 'bulletproof legislation'.