Representative Lee Chun-seok, who is suspected of conducting a transaction of stocks in the name of an aide, appeared at the police station and returned home early on the 15th after being interrogated for seven hours.
The representative exited the Gwangyeoksusa-dan office in Mapo District, Seoul, around 1:50 a.m. and spoke to reporters, saying, "I deeply apologize to the public for causing controversy."
He added, "I received the investigation diligently and will continue to approach it sincerely." However, he did not respond to reporters' questions about whether he acknowledged the allegations or what points he clarified in the investigation and got into a vehicle.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Seoul Police Agency summoned him as a suspect starting from 6:45 p.m. the previous day. He is suspected of opening a securities account using the name of his aide, Mr. Cha, and conducting transactions. Both he and Mr. Cha have been charged with violating the Financial Real Name Act.
On the 4th, Representative Lee was captured by the media conducting transactions of stocks related to artificial intelligence (AI), such as Naver and LG CNS, under Mr. Cha's name in the National Assembly's main conference hall. At the time, he was serving as the chair of the economic subcommittee of the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning responsible for the AI sector. As a result, he and Mr. Cha also face allegations of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act by trading stocks based on undisclosed information.