It's a critical week in the prosecution's investigation into ex-President Lee Myung-bak.
The former conservative leader finds himself in hot water related to numerous charges... as prosecutors appear to have built a strong case against him.
The latest twist in the intrigue comes on Wednesday as Lee has been subpoenaed for questioning for the first time.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
With five months of intense investigations under their belt,... the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has subpoenaed former President Lee Myung-bak to appear at the office on Wednesday for interrogation as a suspect.
The 76-year-old is facing nearly 20 charges, including violation of law on the management of presidential records and violations related to election law.
Lee is suspected of receiving some ten-point-three million U.S. dollars in illegal funds from the state intelligence agency, individuals and businesses, including Korea's largest conglomerate, Samsung.
Under the Act of Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes,... anyone found guilty of receiving bribes in excess of 90-thousand dollars can face at least ten years behind bars.
The former President says he was not aware of any money transfers,... and he has labeled the prosecution's probe is an act of "political revenge" by the Moon Jae-in administration.
Investigators have also unearthed evidence that Lee is the real owner of DAS, a corruption-ridden car parts manufacturer,... with the prosecution set to ask him about irregularities in the company's accounts,... including slush funds totaling more than 28 million dollars.
Prosecutors believe a significant portion of the secret funds were used to finance Lee's presidential campaign in 2007.
Prosecutors are also likely to grill Lee over presidential records,... which were found in storage at DAS offices,... and not at the National Archives as required by law,... and allegations he evaded tax by holding property and savings under borrowed names.
With the long list of charges and allegations,... the nation awaits the results of the questioning,... which gets underway on Wednesday morning, but could continue deep into the night.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.