Special Counsel Ahn Promises Accountability in Geonjin Shaman Case, Coupang Investigates

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Appointment of Special Counsel

Ahn Kwon-seop, a 60-year-old lawyer at Law Firm Daeryun and a graduate of the Judicial Research and Training Institute's 25th class, has been appointed as a standing special counsel to investigate two significant cases. These include the "Geonjin Shaman sealed bundle of new banknotes strap loss suspicion" and the "Coupang severance pay non-indictment external pressure suspicion." On the 17th, Ahn expressed his deep sense of responsibility, stating, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility."

During a press meeting on his way to his law office in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Ahn emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the entrusted duty. Regarding the selection of the investigation team, including assistant special counsels, he mentioned, "I will prepare step by step." When asked about the priority of cases, he added, "Since I was just appointed, I will think about it moving forward."

President Lee Jae-myung appointed Ahn as the standing special counsel to investigate the two suspicions that morning. According to the Standing Act on the Appointment of Special Prosecutors, etc., Ahn will undergo a 20-day preparation period and investigate the suspicions for up to 90 days, with the possibility of an extension. The standing special counsel may form a team comprising a special counsel, two assistant special counsels, five dispatched prosecutors, and up to 30 dispatched officials and special investigators each.

The Geonjin Shaman Case

The "Geonjin Shaman sealed bundle of new banknotes strap loss suspicion" emerged when the Southern Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office seized and searched the home of Jeon Seong-bae, a shaman widely known as Geonjin, last December. During the search, cash bundles were secured, including a Bank of Korea sealed bundle of new banknotes worth 50 million Korean won. However, straps and stickers were lost during the investigation, raising concerns about the handling of evidence.

The Coupang Severance Pay Case

The "Coupang severance pay non-indictment external pressure suspicion" arose after the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office decided not to indict Coupang Fulfillment Service (CFS), a logistics company under Coupang, in April. The case, referred by the Bucheon Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor with a recommendation for indictment, involved allegations of unpaid severance pay. Senior Prosecutor Moon Ji-seok, who investigated the case, revealed during a National Assembly audit last month that Chief Prosecutor Um Hee-jun and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Dong-hee exerted pressure to drop the charges.

Public and Political Response

Political circles and others have called for an investigation into these suspicions, and Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho decided to proceed with a standing special counsel probe. He stated that a third party needed to clarify the truth. The appointment of Ahn Kwon-seop marks a significant step in addressing these complex legal issues and ensuring transparency in the investigative process.

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