Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok said on the 21st, after being questioned as a suspect by the special counsel team investigating Kim Keon-hee, regarding allegations that former President Yoon Suk-yeol interfered in nominations, "I am not a lawyer, so I still do not really understand why I am constituted as a suspect."
Lee left the special counsel team's office set up at the KT Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, at about 7:40 p.m. and stated accordingly, "Obstruction of business ultimately means that the People Power Party leader obstructed the People Power Party's business, and I think it might have been a technical issue." Lee said, "I cooperated faithfully with the investigation," adding, "If there were parts to testify about former President Yoon's involvement in nominations, I also gave a faithful statement on that."
Lee appeared before the special counsel at about 9:50 a.m. as a suspect on charges of obstruction of business. The questioning of Lee wrapped up at about 6:50 p.m. Including time to review the record, he was questioned for 9 hours and 40 minutes.
Appearing before the special counsel, Lee said, "In 2022, most people know how former President Yoon treated me," adding, "Trying to tie me and former President Yoon as co-conspirators is a highly overreaching attempt." He continued, "I have consistently said there were suspicious circumstances in nominations, and I have faithfully submitted materials to the special counsel," adding, "Whether this meets the elements of a crime is for the lawyers to decide."
Previously, while serving as People Power Party leader, Lee claimed that former President Yoon sought to interfere in nominations for positions including the Gangseo-gu mayor of Seoul and the Pohang mayor. In July, the special counsel searched Lee's residence and National Assembly office.