Former Channel A Reporter in 'Geomun-Yuchak' Case Arrested... Prosecution May Launch Forced Investigation on Han Dong-hoon (Comprehensive)

Court: "There is substantial evidence suggesting suspicion of threats"
Arrest warrant issuance strengthens investigation team's efforts
Investigation review committee unlikely to recommend suspension or non-prosecution

Lee Dong-jae, a former Channel A reporter identified as a key suspect in the 'alleged collusion between prosecutors and media,' is attending the warrant hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 17th. The reporter is accused of threatening Lee Cheol, former CEO of Value Invest Korea (VIK), during his investigation of the 'Shinrajen scandal,' saying that he could face criminal disadvantages if he did not report suspicions of corruption involving Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Lee Dong-jae, a former Channel A reporter (35) identified as a key suspect in the 'alleged collusion between prosecution and media' case, was detained on the 17th.

Kim Dong-hyun, the chief judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, conducted a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant substantive examination) for Lee and issued an arrest warrant around 9:43 p.m. Kim stated, "To uncover the substantive truth and to restore trust in the media and prosecution, detention of the suspect at this stage is deemed unavoidable."

He added, "There is considerable evidence to suspect that the suspect attempted to threaten the victim by connecting with high-ranking prosecution officials to achieve a specific investigative purpose. Despite the gravity of the charges, the suspect and related parties have extensively destroyed evidence, obstructing the investigation, and there is a high likelihood of continued evidence destruction."

Lee is accused of threatening Lee Cheol, former CEO of Value Invest Korea (VIK), during his investigation into the 'Shinilgen allegations,' warning that failure to report suspicions of corruption involving Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, could result in criminal disadvantages. The investigation team suspects that Lee conspired with Han Dong-hoon, a close aide to Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, in the threats.

Chief Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Jung Jin-woong), investigating this case, applied the charge of attempted coercion against Lee on the 15th and requested an arrest warrant. This was six days after Prosecutor General Yoon was stripped of his authority to direct the investigation by Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae.

Earlier, on the 17th of last month, the investigation team had reported their intention to request an arrest warrant to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. However, after reviewing the audio recordings presented as evidence, the top officials at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office were divided on whether the charge of attempted coercion was valid, and Prosecutor General Yoon referred the case to the prosecution's expert investigative advisory panel. In response, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office publicly defied, requesting "independence in duties equivalent to that of a 'special prosecutor,'" and with Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's intervention, the advisory panel's procedures were halted.

With the court issuing the arrest warrant for Lee today, the investigation team’s efforts have gained momentum. They are expected to accelerate compulsory investigation of Prosecutor Han. Depending on circumstances, they may also consider requesting an arrest warrant. Prosecutor Han has so far completely refused to comply with summons from the investigation team.

However, the convening of the Prosecutorial Investigation Deliberation Committee poses a variable factor in this case. The committee, which reviews whether to continue the investigation and the appropriateness of prosecution, is scheduled for the 24th. If the committee members express opinions favoring 'investigation suspension' or 'non-prosecution,' the investigation team could lose momentum. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that the committee members participating will find it difficult to disregard the court's ruling and issue such opinions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.