The prosecution, which is investigating KT’s hiring scandal, has been stepping up its investigation by arresting key officials for illegal recruitment.
According to the prosecution on March 31, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office secured nines evidence of fraud during KT’s hiring process in 2012.
Prosecutors believe Kim Sung-tae, president of the state-run company and the relatives of former lawmakers were involved in the illegal hiring.
Earlier, the prosecution arrested a former executive director in charge of personnel affairs at KT and Suh Yoo-yeol, a former president of KT’s home customer division, on charges of ordering and executing the illegal hiring. Suh and Kim are accused of ordering the hire of certain applicants even though they failed to meet the standards for open recruitment.
With the court issuing arrest warrants for them, the prosecution’s investigation is expected to be accelerated.
Prosecutors reportedly plan to summon former KT Chairman Lee Suk-chae for questioning and then Rep. Kim Sung-tae will be summoned as wells.
Prosecutors believe Lee ordered or approved many of the cases of fraudulent hiring.
It will also summon Kim to see if KT received any favors in return for hiring Kim’s daughter as a permanent employee.
Kim, a three-term lawmaker, has held a parliamentary seat since 2008.
The year 2012, when allegations of illegal recruitment were made, was when Kim served on the KT-related standing committee.
Kim served on the Culture, Sports and Tourism Broadcasting and Communications Committee from 2010 to 2012, and on the Environment and Labor Committee from 2012 to 2014.
