The prosecution has begun a forced investigation into allegations that the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis (KIDA), a public institution under the Ministry of National Defense, supported the development of election pledges for the Democratic Party’s then-candidate Lee Jae Myung in the last presidential election.
According to the prosecution on the 26th, the Criminal Department 5 (Chief Cheon Dae Won) of the Northern District Prosecutors’ Office in Seoul recently searched and seized former KIDA Director Kim Yoon Tae, former Director Kim of the Planning and Coordination Office of the Ministry of National Defense Planning, and former KIDA Defense Analysis Research Center Director. The search and seizure took place on the 22nd and 23rd, and it was reported that their mobile phones and other items were secured.
The prosecution has applied charges of violating the Anti-graft Law.
Earlier in January, the Board of Audit and Inspection announced that former Director Kim violated the Public Official Election Act by supporting candidate Lee’s election activities. He was accused of influencing the election by accepting requests for the development of defense policy pledges for candidate Lee, providing development and advice on election pledges, or recommending and introducing KIDA employees.
At that time, the Ministry of National Defense proceeded with the procedures to dismiss Director Kim at the request of disciplinary actions from the Board of Audit and Inspection. Former Director Kim is in administrative litigation, claiming the dismissal is unfair.
Ktiger@news1.kr