CIO questions ex-chief state auditor over power abuse allegations

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choe Jae-hae responds to lawmakers' questions during a National Assembly audit in Seoul, Oct. 16. Yonhap

The state anti-corruption investigation office said Monday it has questioned a former chief state auditor on charges of abusing his authority to conduct an audit of a state commission in an attempt to pressure its then head to step down.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said it summoned Choe Jae-hae, former chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection, for questioning as a suspect on Saturday.

Choe is accused of ordering a special audit in July 2022 targeting Jeon Hyun-heui, then chair of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, over alleged tardiness during her term.

Jeon filed a complaint with the CIO against Choe in December 2022, claiming the audit was based on fabricated reports and intended to force her resignation.