Prosecutors summoned a senior presidential official Sunday over his alleged role in the widening scandal involving a leaked presidential document.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office called in Lee Jae-man, presidential secretary for general affairs, for questioning. He became the second active presidential secretary to be summoned by prosecutors in the political scandal that has rocked the nation.
Investigators are trying to determine how often Lee came in contact with Jeong Yun-hoe, a central figure in the controversy who served as President Park’s adviser when she was a lawmaker.
Jeong is suspected of having met with several senior presidential officials on a regular basis to influence state affairs, including personnel decisions. He has not held any official position in the current administration.
According to a report by the vernacular Segye Times, citing an internal document from Cheong Wa Dae, Jeong plotted to oust Kim Ki-choon, the current chief secretary in the presidential office.
Park Ji-man, younger brother of President Park Geun-hye, is likely to appear for questioning on Monday, according to sources at the prosecution office.
The younger Park, head of EG Corporation, apparently received more than 100 leaked presidential documents, and he will likely be grilled on how he obtained those documents and whether he asked Cheong Wa Dae or the state intelligence body to look into documents about him. (Yonhap)
