Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong answers a question. Yonhap News. 

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong stated on the 13th that the government's "Constitution Respect Government Innovation Task Force (TF)" cannot investigate public officials by collecting their personal mobile phones "without the consent of the individual."

In response to a question from National Power Party lawmaker Cho Eun-hee during a plenary session of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, asking whether the TF could collect and examine the contents of public officials' mobile phones during audits, Minister Yoon replied, "It is naturally impossible for auditors without investigative powers to request a warrant from the court." He explained, "If we intend to continue the investigation, no investigation that infringes upon privacy or violates communication secrecy can be carried out without the individual's consent."

Furthermore, regarding the policy of digital forensics on mobile phones, he added, "Government agencies do not have forensic authority within their audit powers."

On the 11th, the government announced the formation of a TF to investigate possible illegal acts by public officials, separate from the special prosecutor's investigation related to the 12.3 emergency martial law situation.

Yonhap News