The prosecutors’ office said Thursday it launched a probe into former presidential spokesperson Yoon Chang-jung, who allegedly harassed a female intern during a presidential trip to Washington, D.C., in May.

Earlier this month, about 1,000 women from the minor opposition United Progressive Party and the Korean Women Alliance, an advocacy group, filed a complaint against Yoon on charges of sexual abuse and libel.

“An accusation of sexual molestation requires a complaint filed by the victim, and victim’s intention to charge the accused person should be confirmed in a libel charge,” said officials from Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

“For the time being, the prosecutors will keep a tab on the investigation of the Washington, D.C., police, while gathering relevant evidence.”

Yoon allegedly sexually harassed the intern who accompanied him during the first presidential trip of President Park Geun-hye to the United States.

He has gone into hiding since his press briefing on May 11 in which he denied the sexual abuse allegation.

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