'Cheongwadae Investigation' Bae Seongbeom, Head of the Central District Prosecutors' Office: "What Has Been Achieved Is Small, but the Remaining Burden Looks Large"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Bae Seong-beom, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, who recently oversaw major investigations targeting the Blue House, held a farewell ceremony on the 10th and left the staff with the words, "I believe you will do your best."

Prosecutor Bae attended the farewell ceremony held at 2:30 p.m. in the Nuri Hall on the 2nd floor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and said goodbye to the staff. In his farewell speech, he said, "I feel regret leaving the Central District Prosecutors' Office where I have served three times," but added, "Since I did my best, albeit insufficiently, in investigating major cases of national and social importance and crimes threatening the lives of the people, I think I can leave calmly."

He continued, "I feel sorry leaving, seeing how much of the pledge I made before you on the day I took office has been fulfilled, with small achievements and a heavy remaining burden," and said, "Although there were many difficulties, thanks to your spirit of putting others before oneself and doing your best, the assigned tasks were carried out without major issues."

He also said, "Rapid changes in the criminal justice environment surrounding the prosecution are anticipated recently," and added, "The prosecution's mission to realize the values of justice, fairness, and human rights protection cannot change, and I believe the public's expectations and criticisms will remain," emphasizing, "Ultimately, what matters is our will and practice regarding our mission, and the trust, reliance, and consideration we have for each other."

Prosecutor Bae said, "The newly appointed Chief Prosecutor Lee Seong-yoon is a person with excellent character and a firm attitude who has devoted many years to frontline investigations," and urged, "I ask everyone to unite their strength and wisdom so that the Central District Prosecutors' Office can meet the public's expectations for a righteous prosecution that implements political neutrality and fairness."

Prosecutor Bae was appointed Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in July last year after Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl took office. He led investigations targeting the Blue House but was reassigned as the head of the Judicial Research and Training Institute about six months later. Although promoted to the rank of high prosecutor, he was assigned to a position unrelated to investigative work, leading to evaluations of the transfer as a demotion.

Meanwhile, about 150 people attended the farewell ceremony, including Song Kyung-ho, the 3rd Deputy Chief who handled investigations related to former Minister Cho, and Shin Bong-su, the 2nd Deputy Chief in charge of the election interference investigation. Shin Ja-yong, the 1st Deputy Chief, presented Prosecutor Bae with a service commemorative plaque on behalf of the staff.

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