Seoul: A police superintendent has publicly criticized a joint investigation team, which he was ordered to join by President Lee Jae Myung, labeling it an "illegal organization" due to the prosecution's involvement in the probe. Baek Hae-ryong made these comments on his first day with the investigation team at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the controversy stems from early 2023 when Baek, then leading the criminal investigation division at the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station, alleged that the office of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, the prosecution, and the National Intelligence Service attempted to conceal the involvement of customs officials in a Malaysian drug smuggling case. This led to the formation of the investigation team in June, followed by President Lee's directive to include Baek in the team.

Baek expressed his concerns to reporters, stating, "I have claimed that the joint investigation team is an illegally formed organization. But I began to work on the team. As a public official, my convictions are shaken." Despite his reservations, Baek acknowledged his duty to comply with personnel orders.

He further elaborated, "The prosecution is the subject of the (joint) investigation because its leadership is involved in the suspicions of external pressure," highlighting the complexities surrounding the investigation's legitimacy and the prosecution's role in it.