On May 3, Suwon District Court Judge Park So-young, the duty judge for warrant matters, issued an arrest warrant for Choi after a pre-arrest hearing, citing concerns he could flee or destroy evidence.
Choi did not answer reporters’ questions as he left the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency building to attend the hearing and got into a transport vehicle.
Police said Choi admitted parts of separate drug allegations during questioning but denied any link to Park, saying he “doesn’t know him.”
Police are focusing on analyzing evidence, including digital forensics on 13 mobile phones seized during Choi’s repatriation from Thailand.
Choi is accused of smuggling or distributing drugs worth a total of 10 billion won, including 22 kilograms (49 pounds) of methamphetamine, since 2019.
Investigators said he used Telegram under the handles “Cheongdam” and “Cheongdam Boss,” and lived lavishly, including holding real estate around Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong area with family members and using expensive vehicles.
Police said they identified Choi as a supplier while investigating Park, who was forcibly repatriated from the Philippines in March. After confirming Choi was staying in Thailand, they worked with local police and arrested him on April 10.
Police said they plan further questioning on the scale of Choi’s alleged dealings with Park, suspected criminal proceeds and whether he violated the passport law, among other allegations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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