Police have transferred a case alleging bias in a special counsel's investigation to the anti-corruption agency. The complaint, filed by the People Power Party against special counsel Min Joong-ki and his team, claims a biased probe targeting its members. The transfer follows raids on the special counsel's office.
On Wednesday, December 17, police transferred a case over allegations of bias in special counsel Min Joong-ki's investigation into corruption surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The police investigation team announced this in a notice to reporters.
The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) had earlier filed a complaint against Min and his team, accusing them of a biased probe that targeted PPP members despite obtaining a statement that the Unification Church also provided money to members of the now-ruling Democratic Party. The special counsel team has been investigating bribery allegations involving the church, the former first lady, and the PPP affiliated with former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim's husband.
The transfer came after police investigators raided Min's office for the second consecutive day on Tuesday to seize records related to the allegations. A former Unification Church official testified in court earlier this month that the church sought to support both ruling and opposition parties, and that he had disclosed such efforts to Min's team during prior questioning.
This development highlights concerns over the impartiality of high-level corruption probes in South Korean politics. The anti-graft agency's involvement may intensify debates on the special counsel's independence.
