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| ▲ In this file photo, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung (C) speaks to reporters after undergoing questioning at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul on Aug. 18, 2023. (Yonhap) |
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Prosecution summons DP leader for questioning next week
SUWON, South Korea, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors summoned opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Monday to appear for questioning next week over allegations of third-party bribery in connection with a company's allegedly illegal money transfers to North Korea.
The Suwon District Prosecutors Office said it notified the chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) that he is required to undergo questioning next Monday.
Initially, Lee was summoned last week to appear on Aug. 30. He asked the prosecution to advance the date to either Aug. 24 or 26, but the request was rejected.
The DP announced earlier Monday Lee will present himself to prosecutors in September when there are no plenary sessions scheduled at the National Assembly.
The investigation centers on allegations that Ssangbangwool Group, an underwear manufacturer, unlawfully remitted US$8 million to North Korea between January 2019 and January 2020 on behalf of Gyeonggi Province.
Lee served as Gyeonggi governor from 2018 to 2021.
Prosecutors suspect that $3 million was intended to facilitate Lee's planned visit to Pyongyang, while the remainder was meant for Gyeonggi's smart farm support program in North Korea.
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