The prosecution on Wednesday rejected a police request for an arrest warrant for a former vice justice minister accused of receiving sexual services in return for business favors.
The prosecution instead instructed the National Police Agency (NPA) to refile an arrest warrant with a stronger argument on the charges against Kim Hak-ui who remains in a hospital following surgery.
Kim's medical conditions should be considered when a warrant will be sought again, prosecution officials said.
The NPA has been investigating allegations that a number of high-profile figures, including Kim and the head of a local general hospital, received sexual services from a dozen women hired by a 52-year-old construction contractor surnamed Yoon.