Im Eun-jeong, head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, responded sharply to Chief Inspector Baek Hae-ryong's allegations that his investigative methods are no different from prosecutorial special investigation tactics, advising him to refrain from pretending to know if he is unaware of the facts. The clash arises amid allegations raised by Baek regarding external pressure in a customs drug case, most of which have been concluded as without merit. Baek's criticisms and Im's defense highlight a significant discord in the approach to law enforcement between the police and prosecutors.

On the morning of the 27th, Baek took to Facebook to challenge Im's competence and urged her to objectively evaluate her investigative skills and her ability to lead junior prosecutors and police investigators without being swayed by them. This challenge followed the joint investigation team's announcement led by Im, which declared that the allegations raised by Baek lacked any substance. The team also confirmed that Baek had fabricated evidence during his previous investigations, which led to him being reported for potential disciplinary action.

Im further criticized Baek's investigative methods, drawing parallels to the coercive tactics reportedly used by prosecutors in the case against former Prime Minister Han Myung-sook for violations of political financing laws. In response, Baek dismissed Im's comparison as absurd, defending his methods as legitimate and essential for gathering accurate accounts from suspects, contrasting them with what he views as prosecutorial misconduct. This ongoing feud underscores ongoing tensions and differing perceptions of justice and investigative integrity within South Korea's law enforcement agencies.