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Probe of prosecutor remarks should avoid selective leaks

Published: 01 Apr. 2026, 00:00

Attorney Seo Min-seok, center, who represented former Gyeonggi Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young in the Ssangbangwool-North Korea remittance case, speaks at the National Assembly on March 29 while releasing audio recordings of his phone conversations with prosecutor Park Sang-yong from the time of the investigation. [YONHAP]

Audio recordings that allegedly prove that coercive tactics were used by prosecutors in the investigation of the North Korea remittance case involving former Gyeonggi Vice Gov. Lee Hwa-young are being released in fragments. The recordings, taken three years ago by attorney Seo Min-seok during phone conversations with prosecutor Park Sang-yong, have surfaced through media reports, Democratic Party (DP) briefings and YouTube broadcasts.

In a recent broadcast hosted by YouTuber Kim Eo-jun, Park was heard telling Seo that “what was promised will proceed as agreed,” remarks interpreted by Seo as an attempt to induce testimony. Seo has claimed that Park sought to portray President Lee Jae Myung as the main figure in the case while positioning Lee Hwa-young as a secondary participant, allegedly offering reduced charges and lighter sentencing in exchange for testimony.

Such remarks, if accurate, are deeply troubling. Any suggestion that a prosecutor and a defense attorney engaged in discussions resembling a negotiation over testimony and sentencing demands thorough investigation. However, the piecemeal disclosure of recordings has instead raised more questions about the full context and substance of the conversations. Even commentators on the YouTube show noted that a complete release would be necessary to properly assess the situation. Park has denied wrongdoing, arguing that the excerpts represent a selective and misleading presentation.

There are also concerns that the ongoing disclosures risk appearing politically motivated. The National Assembly has launched a special investigation into allegations of politically driven indictments during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. Yet the fragmented release of audio materials may undermine the credibility of the inquiry, particularly if it is perceived as aimed at shaping public opinion rather than establishing facts.

So far, the information made public could damage the prosecution’s reputation, but it does not appear sufficient to overturn the legal reasoning that treated the alleged remittances to North Korea as third-party bribery. Instead, critics argue that the process may reinforce suspicions that the DP is seeking to influence public sentiment in favor of dismissing charges against the president.

Questions have also been raised about potential political motivations on the part of Seo, who has registered as a preliminary DP candidate for mayor of Cheongju in the June 3 local elections. Such developments add to concerns that the investigation could be compromised by partisan interests.

The DP on Tuesday selected witnesses for the parliamentary inquiry, including former Ssangbangwool Group Chairman Kim Sung-tae and lawyer Nam Wook, while excluding figures requested by the opposition. Observers say a more objective and balanced approach is needed to uncover the truth and restore public trust in the process.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.