President Lee Jae-myung on the 12th ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of external pressure on a customs drug investigation. Regarding the new government's first National Assembly audit, he told all ministries to actively cooperate regardless of party, while also saying they should actively explain any misunderstandings, fabrication, or smear attempts.
The presidential office said in a text notice issued under the name of the Spokesperson's Office that President Lee "asked for an even more thorough investigation in relation to the probe by the joint police-prosecution investigation team on the 'allegations of external pressure on a customs drug investigation,' which is currently set up at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office."
President Lee said, "Reinforce the investigation team by dispatching Superintendent Baek Hae-ryong to the joint police-prosecution investigation team, and Chief Prosecutor Lim Eun-jeong of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, who is in charge of the investigation, should, if necessary, add prosecutors to thoroughly uncover the substantive truth about the various allegations and conduct a strict investigation independently, without sanctuaries, regardless of rank or position."
President Lee also asked for ministries' cooperation on the National Assembly audit without distinguishing between the ruling and opposition parties, saying, "Immediately take corrective action on matters that can be fixed and actively accept the National Assembly's points regardless of party."
In particular, he also said, "If there were valid points (from the ruling and opposition parties) that were left unattended without reason, there will be stern accountability." He was said to have emphasized that even cases where last year's audit findings were not addressed would be held accountable without exception.
At the same time, he added, "Actively explain any misunderstandings, fabrication, or smear attempts that arise during the audit process."