The main opposition Democratic United Party on Monday filed a complaint against former National Intelligence Service chief Won Sei-hoon on charges of political interference and abuse of authority.

The DUP claims that Won violated the National Intelligence Service Act and the Public Official Election Act by allegedly ordering his agents to carry out what critics call smear campaigns against opposition politicians and progressive activists.

Five legal complaints have been filed so far against Won in relation to the alleged NIS operation to influence last year’s presidential election, as well as reports of embezzlement and corruption, resulting in a travel ban being issued against him last month.

An NIS agent identified by the surname Kim has been accused of posting online comments about presidential candidates in the run up to the Dec. 19 election in an attempt to influence public opinion. The agent’s actions and other possible interference from the NIS are said to have been carried out according to Won’s orders.

Public prosecutors are currently conducting an investigation, at the end of which a parliamentary investigation will be launched.

(cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)