The main opposition Democratic United Party ratcheted up pressure on former spy chief Won Se-hoon on Wednesday, demanding his arrest on charges of masterminding what it claims to be illegal intervention by the agency in elections.

Prosecutors and police are widening their investigation into National Intelligence Service officials who allegedly posted comments critical of opposition politicians and progressive groups over the past several years including during last year’s presidential campaign period.

The DUP called on the prosecution to detain the embattled former NIS head, accusing him of an “act of destruction of the constitutional order.”

“The Saenuri Party and President Park, who abetted the illegal acts of NIS agents while only focusing on winning the election, should give a clear answer and cooperate in preventing a recurrence,” a DUP special committee to investigate the affair said in a statement released during a rally at the party headquarters.

During the 19th presidential election, an NIS agent identified as Kim was accused of posting comments online in support of government policies and attacking opposition groups.

The police said Tuesday that they were investigating another NIS agent on the same charges.

The man, identified by the surname Lee, posted nearly 160 articles using 40 different accounts. The police said further investigation was required but various circumstances point to his engagement in illegal activities. 


By Suh Hye-rim
(sheren6735@heraldcorp.com)