Hong Jun-pyo tells police to 'wrap up' probe, says he has nothing to hide

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo called on police Sunday to summon him for direct questioning and bring the investigation to a swift close.

Writing on his Facebook page, Hong said he had been "caught up in the 'Myung Tae-kyun case' for two years despite having no connection to it whatsoever" and demanded the probe end without further delay.

Hong said he had already undergone a thorough investigation of his entire record as South Gyeongsang Province governor during the Moon Jae-in administration, lasting a year and a half. "Because I played the role of a political sniper, I have managed myself strictly — I am someone who has kept far from any issues involving money or women," he said.

"No matter how hard they dig, they will find nothing," he added. "I have lived 43 years in public service with strict self-discipline."

Hong questioned whether the investigation was being driven by the government or by police overstepping their authority out of a desire for recognition. Either way, he said, nothing would turn up no matter how thoroughly they searched.

He warned that if police continued to drag out the case and harass volunteers, he would "no longer stay silent" and would hold them accountable for abusing their investigative powers.