Lee Jin-sook, former Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, speaks before police investigation. Yonhap News

Prosecutors have sent back the case involving former Korea Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jin-sook for alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act and other laws, ordering further investigation by the police.

The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office announced on the 1st through a media release, "Due to the need for supplementary investigation regarding some of the alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act and the State Public Officials Act by former Chairperson Lee, which were forwarded by the police, we have requested supplementary investigation from the Yeongdeungpo Police Station."

This comes 12 days after the police sent Lee to the prosecution without detention on the 19th of last month.

The specific details of the supplementary investigation are not yet known. The police plan to conduct additional investigations after reviewing the prosecution's request. There is a possibility that Lee may be summoned again during this process.

According to the Criminal Procedure Act and the "Regulations on Cooperation Between Prosecutors and Judicial Police Officers and General Investigation Rules," the police must complete the supplementary investigation within three months and notify the prosecutor of the results.

Lee is accused of violating the Public Official Election Act and the State Public Officials Act for making politically biased remarks on conservative YouTube channels and engaging in pre-election campaigning in September-October last year and March-April this year.

Lee, who was arrested at her home on October 2nd, was released by court order two days later after an arrest warrant review, sparking controversy.

The police, who had maintained that the investigation, including the execution of Lee's arrest warrant, was lawful, sent her to the prosecution without detention last month.

However, as the prosecution has returned the case, effectively pointing out that the investigation was insufficient, there is a possibility that the controversy may reignite.

Yonhap News