Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop, First Appearance at Special Prosecutor... "No Change in Stance After Yoon's Fury"

[Financial News] Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop appeared for the first time before the special prosecutor team (Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun) regarding suspicions related to the Australian ambassador. He emphasized that he has not changed his stance since former President Yoon Suk-yeol's 'fury'.
Former Minister Lee appeared at the special prosecutor's office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, at around 9:57 AM on the 17th and stated, "I have sufficiently clarified my position and the facts through various opportunities, and none of these have changed," adding, "I will sincerely participate in the special prosecutor's investigation starting today."
When asked by reporters whether he changed his stance after former President Yoon's fury, he replied, "Nothing has changed," and added, "You can think of it as the stance I have always revealed." When asked about the topics to be covered in the investigation, he said, "It is difficult to answer specific matters," and refrained from further comments.
When asked why he requested a format for lifting the travel ban from former Vice Minister of Justice Lee No-gong, he said, "The issue of lifting the travel ban is so absurd that I won't comment further," and dismissed it as "nonsense."
The special prosecutor team is questioning former Minister Lee as a reference from 10 AM today. He is suspected of having made an escape-like departure when he was appointed as the Australian ambassador while being investigated by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (CIO) for the Chae Sang-byeong case last year in March. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a diplomatic passport, and the Ministry of Justice lifted the travel ban despite opposition from the CIO. He left for Australia but returned after 11 days due to worsening public opinion and resigned shortly after.
The special prosecutor team plans to investigate the entire process of his appointment as the Australian ambassador, his departure, return, and resignation. Additionally, he is also identified as a key figure in the investigation pressure allegations during the Chae Sang-byeong death case in July 2023, when he was the Minister of Defense, with former President Yoon at the center. The special prosecutor team plans to summon him again as a suspect for questioning at 10 AM on the 23rd.
 



scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter