Judge Criticizes Prosecution’s Investigation Methods in Kim Beom-soo Case... Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office Chief Says, “We Take the Court’s Remarks Seriously”
- Input
- 2025-10-23 17:01:33
- Updated
- 2025-10-23 17:01:33
On the 23rd, at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly held in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim Tae-hoon was asked by Park Kyoon-taek of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) about the Kim Beom-soo stock manipulation case. Park noted that Kim Beom-soo was acquitted and the court considered the prosecution’s key testimony to be false. Kim Tae-hoon replied that he took the court’s comments to heart.
Previously, on the 21st, the 15th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court, presided over by Judge Yang Hwan-seung, acquitted Kim Beom-soo, who had been indicted for violating the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA). The court did not accept the credibility of the testimony by Lee Jun-ho, former Head of Investment Strategy at Kakao Entertainment Corp., which was the prosecution’s sole substantial evidence to prove collusion between Kakao Corporation and One Asia Partners. The court also unusually criticized the prosecution’s practice of exerting pressure through separate investigations.
In response, Kim Tae-hoon said, "I find it very regrettable that the court pointed out, in an unusual manner, that false testimony was obtained through pressure from separate investigations." He added, "There has also been a ministerial directive to eradicate the practice of separate investigations, and we take this matter seriously. We will study measures to prevent obtaining testimony through separate investigations or similar practices."
On the same day, when asked by Lee Sung-yun of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) about the most fundamental reason for the dissolution of the prosecution after 78 years and the final audit, Kim Tae-hoon replied, "The prosecution has lost much of the public’s trust over the years and missed many opportunities for self-reform."
Representative Lee also referenced Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)’s report on the 'Biden-Nalrimyeon' incident, stating, "The prosecution colluded with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration to violate the human rights of a journalist who courageously reported the issue and conducted retaliatory investigations. The journalist was repeatedly summoned and was unable to work properly, and the case, which began in 2023, remains unresolved. Is it right for the prosecution to act this way?"
In response, Kim Tae-hoon said, "I do not think it is appropriate," and added, "I will ensure the investigation is conducted swiftly and brought to a conclusion."
Independent lawmaker Hyukjin Choi criticized the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office for its delayed investigation into the stock manipulation allegations involving SAMBU CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
Representative Choi stated, "The SAMBU CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. stock manipulation case was initially investigated by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, and I believe the prosecution was deeply involved. Even a brief review of related articles reveals the political dynamics surrounding the case, so I cannot understand why the investigation has been delayed for so long."
He continued, "Our competent prosecutors could have completed the investigation and indictment within three to four months, but I believe the delay was due to the combined influence of former officials, current prosecutors, and pressure from the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. I urge a thorough inspection of all prosecutors involved in the investigation, and if any wrongdoing is found, to proceed firmly with complaints, indictments, and prosecutions. Only then can public trust in the prosecution be restored."
welcome@fnnews.com Jang Yoo-ha Reporter