The prosecution on Wednesday questioned former aide Chung Yoon-hoi as it deepened its investigation into the development surrounding a leaked intelligence report that said he meddled in state affairs.

Chung, who served President Park Geun-hye while she was still a lawmaker, is alleged to have held secret meetings with presidential aides to discuss state affairs, and plotted to have Chief of Staff Kim Ki-choon replaced.

“Who is playing with fire, and who danced to the tune will all be revealed. Allegations about interfering with state affairs are not true,” Chung said as he entered the prosecution’s office for questioning.

Chung also denied his involvement in a personnel reshuffle in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and said that he had not spoken to the president. 

The allegations emerged late last month when the Segye Ilbo newspaper published a story citing reports compiled by the presidential office’s department dealing with discipline within the civil service. Following the news report, police Superintendent Park Gwan-cheon has been accused of disclosing the documents without authorization.

After the initial report, new allegations emerged that Chung used his influence to launch an audit on the Korea Equestrian Federation. In addition, it was alleged that the president ordered Culture Ministry officials tasked to draw up a preaudit report on the federation to be reassigned when their report was not biased in favor of claims made by Chung’s associates.

According to Chung’s lawyer, the ex-Park aide plans to lodge a complaint against the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy for making a false accusation against him.

The NPAD has filed a criminal complaint against Chung over his alleged involvement in the Culture Ministry reshuffle.

Regarding developments described in the initial news report, the prosecution is said to have determined that the secret meetings were not held, based on a cross examination of Park, his informant and presidential aide Kim Choon-sik.

Park had compiled the document in question based on information provided by his informant, who initially claimed that Kim was his source. Park’s informant, who once held a high-level post in the tax service, has since gone back on his claims.

On Tuesday, the investigators took two police inspectors into custody on suspicion of copying documents in Park’s possession.

National Police Agency Commissioner General Kang Sin-myeong declared that an internal audit will be conducted once the prosecution’s investigation is over. He said that his agency would review the situation and make personnel and systemic changes if necessary.

“Once the prosecution’s investigation is over, an audit will be conducted to determine responsibilities.”

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)