Lim Eun-jung criticized detective Baek Hae-ryong’s investigation methods as akin to the criticized prosecutorial tactics during the Han Myung-sook political funding case, amid claims of a lack of substance in a drug investigation involving customs officers.
The joint investigation team led by the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutor's Office (headed by Chae Su-yang) recently concluded its probe into allegations of drug-related misconduct among customs officials, declaring that there was no basis to these claims. However, Lim Eun-jung, the head of the prosecutor's office, publicly denounced Baek Hae-ryong, a police officer accused of improperly investigating the customs drug case, stating that the investigative methods used resembled those of the discredited prosecutorial practices from previous high-profile cases, particularly referencing the political funding law violations involving former Prime Minister Han Myung-sook.
In a passionate Facebook post, Lim emphasized the despair she felt regarding the permanence of prosecutorial malpractices, as highlighted by her experiences during the tenure of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol. She highlighted that the manipulative tactics of investigators, who would alter testimonies and fabrications of evidence, continue to undermine justice within the judicial system. Lim argued that Baek's investigation used similar flawed methods, where inconsistent statements from drug traffickers were polished to fit a preconceived narrative, thus drawing a clear parallel to the prosecution's historical shortcomings in handling investigations.
The investigation team, which came to prominence in June 2022, was looking into claims that customs officials had colluded with drug trafficking organizations, involving situations where police and prosecution leadership were alleged to have intervened to obscure the truth. Lim reiterated that the allegations made by Baek, who had joined the investigation at the presidential directive, were found to hold no water and pointed to the escalating tensions that led to Baek’s premature departure from the investigation team earlier this year due to disagreements with Lim and her team. This controversy highlights ongoing issues of trust and integrity within Korea's law enforcement and judicial practices, especially regarding high-profile cases involving public office misconduct.
