Prosecutors questioned former National Intelligence Service chief Won Sei-hoon Monday as part of a probe into the national spy agency’s alleged attempt to intervene in the 2012 presidential election.

“The investigation is currently underway. He will likely be summoned several more times,” said an official at Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

The Democratic United Party, which first raised the allegation of illegal political intervention before the presidential election last December, filed a complaint against the former NIS chief last year.

Police referred the case to the prosecution, suggesting indictment earlier this month.

He is accused of directing a team of his agents to run online smear campaigns to sway public opinion in favor of policies and projects touted by the former Lee Myung-bak government such as the four-river refurbishment project.

The prosecution investigated two high-ranking NIS officials on Thursday and Saturday.

The prosecution banned Won, who tried to go abroad right after his retirement from the NIS last month, from leaving the country. 

By Kim Young-won
(wone0102@heraldcorp.com)