Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has directed a "strict and thorough" investigation into a mass walkout by prosecutors during the trial of former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young. The incident occurred as prosecutors sought to recuse the judge panel presiding over the case.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the prosecutors handling allegations related to a drinking party involving Lee Hwa-young filed a motion demanding the recusal of the judges. This trial, which includes a citizen jury, saw the prosecutors exit the courtroom, alleging unfair treatment by the court.

In response, President Lee has called for a swift internal probe into actions he deemed disruptive to court proceedings, emphasizing adherence to law and principles. This was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung during a press briefing.

Lee Hwa-young is facing charges of perjury, accused of lying to the National Assembly about being treated to alcohol and raw salmon by prosecutors during their investigation into an illegal remittance to North Korea in 2019. This case has also implicated President Lee, who was Gyeonggi governor at the time of the alleged unauthorized $8 million transfer to North Korea.