Seoul: The state anti-corruption investigation office has announced that it questioned a former chief state auditor on charges of abusing his authority. The investigation concerns an audit of a state commission allegedly conducted to pressure its then head to step down.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) summoned Choe Jae-hae, the former chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection, for questioning as a suspect on Saturday. Choe faces allegations of ordering a special audit in July 2022 targeting Jeon Hyun-heui, who was then the chair of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.

Jeon lodged a complaint with the CIO against Choe in December 2022. She alleges that the audit was based on fabricated reports and was intended to force her resignation from her position.