Although it is rare for a special counsel to meet with a witness who is merely referenced, it is not unheard of. Nevertheless, there are certain limits that must be observed, and Kwon clearly overstepped them. He exposed his real intentions concerning the investigation and also shared unrelated details about the inquiry with the reference witness. These kinds of comments should not be directed at a reference witness. Would he have spoken this way to a regular reference witness? He probably viewed former legislator Choe as a supporter. If that is true, the situation is even more troubling. Additionally, revealing the status of the investigation may amount to a violation of official secrecy.
On the 9th, Kim Ji-mee, an assistant special counsel working for the second special investigation team, participated in a live stream on Kim Ou-joon’s YouTube channel. When discussing the possibility of summoning former President Yoon Suk-yeol, she stated, “This is part of the preparation, and you may soon witness the situation you hope for.” It was controversial that an assistant special counsel appeared on a politically oriented YouTube channel while an investigation was ongoing, and her comments also caused debate as they suggested the investigation was being viewed as a “trial of the people.”
Five days later, it came to light that Kwon Young-bin, an assistant special counsel for the second special counsel handling the inquiry into allegations of witness tampering in the Ssangbangwool inter-Korean remittance case—initially brought up by former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young and the Democratic Party—had previously worked as Lee Hwa-young’s lawyer in another matter. It is fundamentally questionable for someone who once represented Lee Hwa-young to be examining a case involving her. Additionally, the special counsel had met with former legislator Choe and even shared details about the investigation.
Most disturbingly, the notion of conducting a three-year investigation to eliminate the rebellion is unsettling. Does this suggest a plan to weaken the opposition party by consistently accusing it of insurrection until the Lee Jae Myung administration’s term ends, thus enabling a seamless return to power? Former legislator Choe essentially disclosed confidential plans that were meant to be shared exclusively with allies. The special prosecutor system was created to ensure investigations are free from political interference. However, the insurrection special prosecutor, especially the second one, is openly carrying out investigations that support the administration’s political goals. Who would have faith in such outcomes?
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