▲ This file photo shows former prosecutor Kim Sang-min. (Yonhap)

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details)

SEOUL, July 16 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they have referred Kim Sang-min, a former prosecutor, and two other officials on charges of forgery in relation to a 2024 knife attack on President Lee Jae Myung.

The three officials, who worked at the National Intelligence Service (NIS) during its probe of the incident last year, were referred to the prosecution on July 3, according to the police.

In an internal report on the case, Kim is suspected of indicating that a "cutter knife" was used in the attack instead of an 18-centimeter knife that was actually used.

Based on the report, the NIS had concluded the knife attack was not a terror case.

The police believe Kim intentionally drafted the report with false information to induce the conclusion.

In January, the government formally designated the attack on President Lee, which occurred while he was serving as opposition leader, as a terror case.

Kim is known for his ties to former first lady Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

He is currently standing trial on charges of gifting a painting by renowned artist Lee Ufan to the former first lady in return for her help in securing him a nomination for an election in 2024.

With the latest referrals to the prosecution, the police will wrap up their special task force investigation, launched in January, into the attack and the government's subsequent response.

Meanwhile, the police task force has discovered another attempt by the attacker, surnamed Kim, to target Lee in December 2023, bringing the total number of attempts to six.

Based on the analysis of the attacker's mobile phone and YouTube viewing history, investigators said the attacker may have developed extreme views by selectively consuming content based on his political leaning.

The Supreme Court finalized a 15-year prison term for the attacker in February 2025.

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