<Anchor>
Kim Jin-wook, head of the high-ranking public officials' crime investigation department, held a press conference today (17th) and explained the background of the investigation into former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol. Although it was officially registered, he said that he had not started an investigation in earnest and that he would handle it so as not to affect the election.
Reporter Hong Young-jae on the sidewalk.
<Reporter>
Kim Jin-wook, Minister of Airborne Affairs, who attended a press conference five months after taking office, repeatedly emphasized political neutrality, saying that he would not be swayed by the investigation.
[Kim Jin-wook/Director of the Office of Crime Investigation for Senior Officials: It is difficult and undesirable to investigate all other cases without avoiding all cases that may be subject to political controversy.]
Despite the insufficient investigation conditions, the background of starting an investigation against former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol He declined to say that this is just the beginning of the procedure.
[Kim Jin-wook / Chief of the Office of Crime Investigation for Senior Officials: The case of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol has not been fully investigated now.] While
stating that “we will handle it so as not to affect the election,” it is rather inappropriate to investigate as the election is imminent. I asked him if he didn't.
It is interpreted as an attempt to evolve the criticism of a rhetoric with some political intentions.
However, after the briefing was over, he explained that the fact that he did not start a full-scale investigation meant that he did not start summoning those involved, and it seems to be a remark conscious of the criticism that it is a passive investigation.
Prosecutors are equally wary of investigations involving Yoon.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office is conducting an investigation into the alleged involvement in stock price manipulation of the former president's wife, and the allegation of preferential treatment for exhibitions.
During the tenure of former President Yoon, the prosecutor general's authority to direct the investigation was excluded.
Prosecutors say that there was no investigation into Yoon in the report on pending issues that Kim received from the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office Chief Lee Jung-soo.
That is proof that the prosecution is also burdened by the sharp public opinion on the investigation related to former President Yoon.
(Video coverage: Seo Jin-ho, video editing: Kim Jong-tae, CG: Kim Ye-in)