Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young has clarified that he has not received any notifications from relevant agencies regarding reports that he is under investigation by prosecutors for allegedly leaking information related to North Korean nuclear facilities.
On May 28, the Unification Ministry's spokesperson issued a statement addressing media reports concerning the minister. The spokesperson stated, "The allocation of the case by the prosecution is merely a procedural measure following a complaint, so it is difficult to view it as the start of an investigation," adding, "We have not received any related notifications from relevant agencies."
The spokesperson expressed regret that some articles appeared to prejudge the allegations, stating, "We have lodged a complaint with the media outlet in question."
Earlier that day, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office announced that it had received a case against Minister Jeong for allegedly leaking official secrets and had assigned it to its Criminal Division 1, led by Chief Prosecutor Kang Ho-jun, after transferring it from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on May 21.
The controversy arose after Minister Jeong mentioned 'Pyeonganbuk-do Guseong' in the National Assembly on March 6, in addition to the previously known locations of North Korea's uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon and Gangseon in Nampo City.
At that time, the Unification Ministry explained that Minister Jeong's remarks were based on comprehensive information regarding North Korea's nuclear facilities, including statements from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reports from research institutions such as the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.