The controversy has escalated following the revelation of a recorded conversation with Kim Sung-tae, the former chairman of Ssangbangwool, where he allegedly asserts that he never gave any money to Lee Jae-myung. This disclosure arose in the context of the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case, which has been under scrutiny. Kim's claims challenge the credibility of the prosecution's case, leading to heated accusations from President Yoon Seok-youl, who characterized the prosecutors’ actions as more egregious than heinous crimes.

In the documentation received by Hankyoreh, details surface regarding the prosecutor's alleged coercive tactics that may have contributed to Kim's contradictory statements. Initially, while detained in Thailand, Kim reportedly maintained that he had no contact with Lee or involvement in the remittances. However, upon his extradition and subsequent interrogation by the prosecution, his stance shifted significantly. Former Gyeonggi Province Peace Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young claims that this drastic change in Kim's testimony results from threats and pressure from prosecutors, further corroborated by the content of the leaked recording.

Additionally, the special inspection team's report highlights concerning behavior from Prosecutor Park Sang-yong, suggesting unprofessional conduct where preferential treatment towards Kim may have interfered with the investigatory process. A Ministry of Justice official revealed that informal conversations between the prosecutor and Kim included personal questions about meals, hinting at an inappropriate rapport that raised alarms among correctional staff. As calls for a national investigation intensify, this situation reflects the growing tension surrounding prosecutorial conduct in politically charged cases.