Special Committee on Manipulated Indictments Selects Prosecutors Including Park Sangyong Who Investigated Presidential Cases as Witnesses (Comprehensive)

Witness List of 102 Approved Under Ruling Party’s Initiative

On the 25th, the Special Committee for the National Inspection of the Truth Behind the Alleged Political Prosecution Manipulation and Indictment by the Yoon Seok-yeol Administration adopted a list of witnesses, led by the ruling party, including prosecutors Park Sangyong and Um Heejoon, who investigated cases related to President Lee Jaemyung.

On the 25th, at the plenary session of the Special Committee for the National Inspection of the Truth Behind the Alleged Political Prosecution Manipulation and Indictment by the Yoon Seok-yeol Administration held at the National Assembly, Chairwoman Seo Younggyo struck the gavel. 2026.3.25 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

During its plenary session on this day, the committee approved a list of 102 witnesses, including the two prosecutors, acting Prosecutor General Koo Jahyun, and Joo Mincheol, Head of the Anti-Corruption Department at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office.

Prosecutor Park investigated the "Ssangbangwool North Korea Remittance Allegation" case. The committee included Park on the witness list to question whether, during the investigation process—such as the so-called "Salmon Drinking Party Allegation"—related parties were improperly persuaded or led to make specific statements.

The witness list also includes prosecutors who investigated the Daejang-dong development corruption case during President Lee's tenure as leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. This includes Prosecutor Um, as well as Kang Baeksin, Kim Sehyun, Lee Jooyong, and Kim Iksoo. For questioning regarding the West Sea shooting incident, National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jongseok and NIS black agents who managed those involved at the time were also included as witnesses.

The People Power Party objected, arguing that the committee's activities are illegal. Assemblyman Kwak Gyutaek said, "It is clear that this special committee on the national inspection is illegal and unlawful," adding, "The reason the People Power Party attended the meeting was to inform the people about its illegality." Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon also criticized, "Even the committee’s name, with the words 'manipulation indictment,' shows it has already decided the answer," and called for the committee’s dissolution.

Seo Younggyo, Chairwoman of the Special Committee and a Democratic Party lawmaker, cited the National Assembly Law Commentary, stating, "Investigative and prosecution work can also be subject to national inspection and investigation when it comes to establishing the truth independently, holding political responsibility, and gathering legislative materials."

Park Sungjoon, the ruling party’s secretary of the special committee, responded, "It is only natural for the National Assembly to conduct a national inspection based on the public’s will regarding the unchecked, reckless, and targeted investigations planned by the prosecution."

Members of the People Power Party left the conference room before the vote on the witness list and the committee’s activity plan in protest. During the meeting, they placed placards in front of their laptops that read, "Opposing the Special Committee for Erasing Lee Jaemyung’s Crimes."

The committee plans to hold another plenary session on the 31st to additionally approve three items: the agenda for holding a hearing, summoning witnesses and reference persons, and conducting on-site investigations. The Democratic Party also plans to push for the adoption of a list of general witnesses, including former Ssangbangwool Chairman Kim Sungtae and attorney Nam Wook, who is involved in the Daejang-dong case.

Meanwhile, starting April 3, the committee plans to receive reports from institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office, the National Police Agency, and the Korea Coast Guard, thereby officially commencing its activities.

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