Investigation into the influence of nominations intensifies… Lee Jun-seok also under investigation

The special inspection team (led by Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki) investigating 16 allegations against Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, conducted a surprise search and seizure at the home and office of Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, on the 28th.

According to the search warrant presented by the special prosecutor, it is reported that Lee has been cited as a suspect in the allegation of colluding in the nomination interference.

On the morning of that day, investigators simultaneously raided Lee's residence in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, and his office in the National Assembly in Yeouido, entering with boxes and equipment. The defense team raised questions about the legality of the search, including whether the warrant was properly presented.

Lee was the key figure overseeing the overall election process during the by-election in June 2022 while he was serving as the leader of the People Power Party and is believed to have been deeply involved in the entire nomination process.

Key concerns regarding connections with Kim Geon-hee's associates

The special prosecutor is focusing on the possibility that Lee was directly involved in the nomination interference allegations involving former President Yoon Seok-yeol and Kim Geon-hee. Notably, from early April 2022 until just before the election, Lee received poll results related to former lawmaker Kim Young-sun multiple times from Myung Tae-gyun, and recent evidence suggests he frequently communicated with Myung up until just prior to the nomination announcement.

The special prosecutor plans to conduct a detailed analysis of the seized materials, suspecting that Lee may have been involved in coordinating nominations that reflected the intentions of the former presidential couple, surpassing mere party duties.

Meanwhile, Lee’s side has expressed that the search and seizure was excessive. Attorney Kim Yeon-ki stated, "Representative Lee Jun-seok has cooperated sincerely with the investigation and voluntarily submitted a recording of his conversation with the former presidential couple on the 16th," and argued, "In this situation, the transition to suspect status and forced investigation appear to be excessive public duties."

Targeting the 'Chilbulsa meeting'… investigation into proportional representation deal allegations

The special prosecutor plans to investigate not only the nomination interference allegations involving Kim Geon-hee but also the allegations regarding the 'Chilbulsa meeting' between Lee and former lawmaker Kim Young-sun. This meeting has raised suspicions that Kim requested the number one spot on the proportional representation list from Lee in relation to the exposure of the nomination interference.

Lee has consistently refuted these claims, asserting, "There is no fact that I have interfered with nominations" and maintaining that "I am innocent." The special prosecutor is expected to accelerate the investigation of related individuals as soon as the analysis of the seized materials is completed.

Some circles in the political realm interpret that the special prosecutor's investigation is focusing not only on Lee's personal circumstances but also on the reality of the "nomination chain" centering around Kim Geon-hee.

Image source: Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party / News1, Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Team concluding the search of Lee Jun-seok's residence / News1, Search and seizure notice / News1