President Lee Jae-myung Advocates for Swift Action on Customs Drug Investigation Special Counsel
On June 9, Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-kyo revealed that President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for a rapid progression of the special counsel investigation into the alleged external pressure on customs drug investigations. This statement follows the Democratic Party's recent passage of the so-called 'three major special counsel laws' during the National Assembly session on June 5, which includes issues related to insurrection, Kim Geon-hee, and Chae Hae-byeong.
During an MBC radio interview, Seo stated, "The President mentioned that there is a special counsel for drugs within the permanent special counsel framework." She added, "We need to request this quickly, and the President has also indicated that he will appoint a special counsel to proceed with this matter." On June 7, President Lee hosted a dinner at his residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, inviting lawmakers who were part of the Democratic Party leadership during his tenure as party leader, including Seo.
The 'drug special counsel' mentioned by Seo pertains to the investigation into the alleged external pressure during the inquiry into customs officials involved in drug-related incidents. This allegation suggests that high-ranking police officials exerted pressure during the investigation, which reportedly originated from the presidential office under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. The ruling party has raised suspicions that Lee Jong-ho, linked to the 'Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case,' is behind this allegation, with claims that Kim Geon-hee is involved as well.
In relation to this issue, the National Assembly held a hearing last August, led by the Democratic Party, but no substantial evidence was uncovered. Consequently, a proposal for a permanent special counsel was introduced and passed in the National Assembly in March. As of April, a candidate recommendation committee for the special counsel has been established. Once the committee recommends two candidates, the President will appoint one of them.
