Lee Jung-hyun to ruling party recruit So Byung-chul: "Approach prosecution reform as new politics"

Independent lawmaker Lee Jung-hyun. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jeong-hyun, an independent lawmaker and former leader of the Saenuri Party, praised So Byeong-cheol, a distinguished professor at Suncheon National University (former Chief Prosecutor of Daegu High Prosecutors' Office), who entered politics as the 4th talent recruit of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "Parties that missed out on talents like you are definitely a step behind."

On the 5th, Lee posted on his Facebook, calling former Chief Prosecutor So his "friend" and "you," congratulating him on his entry into politics. Both were born in 1958 and hail from Suncheon, Jeollanam-do.

Lee said, "I have recommended you whenever I had the chance. At that time, Saenuri Party lawmakers also competed to recommend you," adding, "You are not just a figure from Honam but a talent worthy of the nation."

He mentioned that former Chief Prosecutor So is from Honam and received an honorary doctorate from Kyungpook National University, declined condolences during his mother's funeral, and that So's father was a police officer and patriot.

Lee continued, "Most of your senior and junior prosecutors respect you," and said, "Although there were many gaps and it was late, I have great expectations that you will be given the opportunity to serve the nation and its people."

Addressing former Chief Prosecutor So, he said, "However, I would like to ask one thing: please become a politician, not just a former prosecutor," and asked, "You know the public expects new politicians to practice politics different from past political operators, right?"

So Byeong-cheol, the fourth talent recruit of the Democratic Party of Korea and former Chief Prosecutor of Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, is giving a greeting speech at the recruitment event held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding prosecutorial reform, Lee said, "I am confident that you entered politics to engage in new politics involving continuous dialogue and compromise not only between ruling and opposition parties but also with stakeholder groups," and urged, "Please approach prosecutorial reform in that way."

He then pointed to the Blue House Secretariat as a target for reform, saying, "You will soon realize that reforming the presidential secretariat, which leads the Blue House-centered state, is 100 times more urgent than prosecutorial reform," and criticized, "They practically make the president a king. Next in the reform priority is the National Assembly."

Finally, Lee said, "With a friend who symbolizes harmony, cross-party, and cross-administration cooperation entering politics, I expect the political drama to level up," and reiterated his congratulations, saying, "No one will doubt that you will be loyal to the Constitution, not to any person or regime."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.