Lee vows stern action over law enforcement's mishandling of cases
President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with senior aides at the presidential office in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called for stern punishment for law enforcement officials accused of abusing their authority to cover up or fabricate cases, denouncing such acts as "unforgivable."
Lee made the remarks during a meeting with senior aides after lawmakers accused some prosecutors of exerting inappropriate influence over investigations during this year's parliamentary audit sessions.
"There were criticisms over problems related to some law enforcement agencies during the recent parliamentary audit. Such acts undermine democracy and the rule of law, and they are unforgivable acts that disrupt public order," Lee said, without mentioning specific cases.
Lee said some investigators had abused their official authority to conceal apparent illegalities or fabricate cases, accusing them of "disrupting public order and pursuing personal gain."
"We must thoroughly uncover the truth and deal sternly with those responsible, punishing them in accordance with the law and principles," he said.
Last week, Prosecutor Moon Ji-seok made a tearful testimony alleging that the prosecution's leadership had pressured him to omit key evidence in a severance pay case involving Coupang, the nation's leading e-commerce company.
During other audit sessions, ruling party lawmakers raised concerns that some prosecutors allegedly provided alcohol and raw salmon to former Gyeonggi Vice Gov. Lee Hwa-young during questioning over his involvement in an illegal remittance to North Korea in 2019 in attempt to coerce unfavorable testimony to Lee, who formerly served as Gyeonggi Province governor.