Paris Soir - Prosecutors Resume Investigation into Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae’s Son Over Military Leave Allegations

The Seoul Eastern Prosecution Office has reopened its investigation into allegations of preferential treatment for the son of Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae, marking a significant development in a political controversy that has spanned several years.

Prosecutors confirmed on the 10th that they had resumed the case, which had been suspended from indictment for two years and two months. The reopening follows the return of Mr. Seo, Governor Choo’s son, to South Korea last week. Upon his entry, authorities imposed measures requiring him to notify investigative officials of his whereabouts and enforced a travel ban.

Mr. Seo had left the country in December 2023 while the initial investigation was underway. In September 2024, prosecutors had suspended indictment against him, but the case remains active as he is now back within South Korean jurisdiction.

The allegations stem from events in 2019, when claims emerged that Governor Choo exerted external pressure to extend her son’s sick leave during his military service. Mr. Seo served as a member of the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA). He underwent knee surgery in June 2017 and took sick leave, which was subsequently extended. Critics alleged that portions of this leave were extended without prior approval, suggesting he received preferential treatment.

At the time of these events, Governor Choo served as the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. She has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that the extension of her son’s leave was lawful and did not involve improper influence.

The legal proceedings have seen multiple turns since 2020, when the People Power Party filed a formal complaint against Mr. Seo and related parties. The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office initially declined to indict in September 2020, stating that it was difficult to conclude there was deception or outside pressure in the process of requesting and using the leave.

The People Power Party appealed this decision. In June 2022, the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office dismissed the appeal, ruling that there was no reason to change the original prosecutor’s disposition. However, when the party filed a re-appeal with the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office in November 2022, it was accepted. The case was transferred back to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office for reinvestigation.

Prosecutors are reportedly planning to dispose of the case by the end of the year.

J.Simon--PS