'Controversial Appointment' Lee Seong-yoon, New Chief of Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, "Actively Participating in Prosecutorial Reform"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 13th, Lee Seong-yoon, the newly appointed Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, who took office amid controversy over the prosecution personnel reshuffle by Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae on the 8th, emphasized that "actively participating in the public demand for prosecution reform is the way to gain trust from the people." In his inaugural speech, he conveyed a message to the prosecution that faithfully aligns with the current government's prosecution reform policy, focusing on protecting people's livelihood and human rights while exercising prosecutorial authority with restraint.

At the inauguration ceremony held at 11 a.m. in the large auditorium on the 2nd floor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, the new chief prosecutor emphasized three points: 'restrained exercise of prosecutorial power,' 'concentration of capabilities on prosecution duties related to people's livelihood,' and 'seeking a new judicial control model for specialization of the criminal division and protection of human rights.' He stated, "It is necessary to think once more at each stage of the investigation process and repeatedly exercise restraint and moderation in prosecutorial power," and urged, "In this regard, please thoroughly comply with the recently enacted 'Human Rights Protection Investigation Rules' and 'Regulations on Prohibition of Disclosure of Criminal Cases,' so that investigations protecting human rights can be firmly established."

He also mentioned the prosecution-police investigation authority adjustment bill expected to pass the National Assembly that day. The new chief prosecutor said, "I believe it is also our prosecution's duty to firmly recognize the police as collaborators and partners in criminal procedures and to support the police in fulfilling their proper functions."

He continued, "We must concentrate our capabilities on the prosecution's original duties related to people's livelihood," seemingly reflecting some views that the ongoing investigations related to the current administration are somewhat excessive. Lee said, "It is clear that investigating cases that attract social attention is an important task entrusted to the prosecution," but added, "However, in the process, the investigative functions for general criminal cases such as crimes affecting people's livelihood must also operate normally."

Lee Seong-yoon is from Gochang, Jeonbuk, and is a junior alumnus of Kyung Hee University Law School under President Moon Jae-in, considered a representative 'pro-Moon' within the prosecution. Inside and outside the prosecution, there are expectations that Lee may put a brake on prosecution investigations targeting the Blue House and the ruling party upon his appointment.

Meanwhile, controversy has arisen over allegations that Lee sent mocking text messages to senior officials at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office around the time of the personnel reshuffle on the 8th. Rep. Joo Kwang-deok of the Liberty Korea Party held a press conference the day before to disclose this fact. However, Lee did not respond to reporters' questions regarding the text message controversy when he arrived at work that day.

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