With regard to Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Administrator Oh Dong-un being investigated by Special Counsel Lee Myung-hyun's team on charges of dereliction of duty, he told internal staff that "a special counsel investigation can never shake the foundation of the CIO."
On Oct. 20, the Minister said in a text message to CIO employees, "I know well that you were very surprised and anxious by the recent news reports about investigations involving me and the Vice Minister," adding this position.
He said, "As the Minister, I feel deeply sorry for putting you through this situation," and added, "This matter arose in the course of the CIO's legitimate investigative activities early in my tenure, and I am confident it can be fully explained through legal procedures. We will respond unwaveringly to protect the CIO's honor and legitimacy."
The Minister said, "Despite countless difficulties over the years, we have grown the CIO, and this incident is just another hurdle," adding, "I will break through this issue head-on in accordance with the law and procedures, and at the same time use it as an opportunity to advance the CIO."
Previously, Special Counsel Lee Myung-hyun's team, which is investigating allegations of investigative interference and cover-up related to the Chae Sang-byeong case, booked the Minister, Vice Minister Lee Jae-seung, and former Investigation Division 3 Director General Park Seok-il on charges of dereliction of duty while probing former CIO Investigation Division 2 Director General Song Chang-jin for perjury.
In August, while analyzing evidence secured in a CIO search and seizure, it was confirmed that the CIO committed illegal acts, such as failing to notify the Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office of the complaint against former Director General Song, and it was reported that the team moved to secure additional evidence.
Earlier, former Director General Song told the National Assembly last year that "I did not know that former Blackinvest CEO Lee Jong-ho was involved in the case of pressure on the Marine Corps investigation," and was accused of perjury by lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea. Before being appointed to the CIO, former Director General Song had served as Lee's defense attorney.