Panel opposes probe into prosecutor, backs indictment of ex-reporter in alleged blackmail scheme

An independent panel recommended Friday the prosecution halt the ongoing investigation into a senior prosecutor accused of colluding with a former journalist to dig up dirt on a pro-government public intellectual.

The expert committee, however, called for the continued probe and indictment of the former cable TV reporter. He was arrested last week for allegedly blackmailing a jailed financier in the scheme using his close ties with the ranking prosecutor.

The panel of external experts from the legal circle, academia and civic groups reached the decisions by majority vote.

Han Dong-hoon, a ranking prosecutor who is a close associate of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, enters the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office in southern Seoul on July 24, 2020, to attend an external panel on a blackmail case. (Yonhap)

Twelve members called for a continued investigation into the former reporter, Lee Dong-jae, while nine backed his indictment.

Lee was fired from cable network Channel A in the wake of the incident.

He allegedly pressed the imprisoned businessman to provide information to discredit an influential liberal writer, threatening he would otherwise face further investigation and punishment.

He shared with the inmate’s representative a voice recording of his conversation with prosecutor Han, indicating the two were working together in the maneuver.

The prosecution is said to be using the recording made on Feb. 13 as key evidence to prove the collusion allegation.

Both Han and Lee denied they colluded in the case.

The panel’s recommendation is not legally binding, but the prosecution has accepted most decisions made by such panels since the system was introduced in 2018.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, which is probing the case, voiced regret, saying the recommendation is “difficult to accept.”

The office said it made the case for proceeding with the investigation of Han, as it has yet to start a forensic analysis of his seized mobile phone and has not questioned him sufficiently.

The prosecution will determine its position “based on investigation details, the court’s reason for granting an arrest warrant for Lee, and the external panel’s opinion,” the office said in a statement.

Han thanked the panel for its “wise” decision. Lee said he respects the decision but added, “Allegations of colluding with a high-ranking prosecutor are not true at all.”