The prosecution investigating allegations that the family of former President Roh Tae-woo concealed slush funds has summoned and questioned former high-ranking officials from the Roh administration mentioned in the so-called "Kim Ok-sook memo" as reference witnesses, it was learned.

The Criminal Proceeds Recovery Department of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (led by Senior Prosecutor So Jeong-su) called in former Presidential Chief Secretary Jeong Hae-chang and former Presidential Security Service Chief Choi Seok-lip as reference witnesses for questioning late last month.

These are the individuals mentioned in the "Kim Ok-sook memo," written by former President Roh's wife, Kim Ok-sook, which listed entries such as "Chief Jeong, 3 billion won" and "Choi Seok-lip, 200 million won."

The slush fund allegations surfaced during the divorce trial between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Art Center Nabi Director Roh Soh-yeong, when the existence of funds presumed to be former President Roh's slush money came to light.

During the appellate trial of the divorce case, Director Roh's legal team argued that former President Roh's family provided substantial help to SK's growth, submitting two memos written by Kim some 20 years ago and six promissory notes worth 5 billion won each issued by Sunkyong Construction.

The memos are known to contain details of funds totaling 904 billion won.

Based on this, Director Roh's side claimed that 30 billion won of former President Roh's funds was delivered to his in-law, the late Chey Jong-hyun, former chairman of SK Group, and used for Sunkyong Group's business activities.

The prosecution has continued its investigation after receiving complaints from organizations including the May 18 Memorial Foundation, alleging that former President Roh's family—including Kim, Director Roh, and South Korean Ambassador to China Roh Jaehyun—concealed slush funds and evaded taxes.

The prosecution has reportedly not yet notified Director Roh and Ambassador Roh of specific dates for their appearance.

(Photo: Yonhap News)