Seoul: Lee Jin-sook, former head of the recently dissolved Korea Communications Commission (KCC), has filed for a judicial review concerning the legality of her detention. Lee, who was apprehended on allegations of election law violations and breaching political neutrality, took this legal step on Friday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee was detained the previous day and underwent a three-hour interrogation session on Thursday. Her legal representative, Lim Moo-young, submitted the request to the Seoul Southern District Court, arguing that the charges against her lack substantial evidence.

Authorities at the Yeongdeungpo Police Station, where Lee is currently held, stated that they concluded their questioning around 6 p.m. They are now contemplating whether to pursue a formal arrest warrant. Under current legal protocols, police must secure the warrant within 48 hours to prolong Lee’s detention; otherwise, they are required to release her once the emergency detention period lapses.

The accusations against the former KCC chief revolve around alleged partisan statements made on conservative YouTube channels in September of the previous year, which purportedly breached political neutrality and sought to hinder the election of President Lee Jae Myung. The police justified her detention by noting her consistent non-compliance with summonses for questioning, though Lee has asserted that she provided valid reasons for each absence.

Lee’s detention coincided with her automatic dismissal from office, a consequence of the newly enacted government reorganization bill that dismantled the KCC. This bill established a new entity, the Korea Media and Communications Commission, to oversee broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. Lee was initially appointed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol for a three-year term in July 2024.