[Yes and No] The 'Joguk' Ball Launched by President Moon

Published 15 Jan.2020 11:27(KST)

[Asia Economy Jeong Wanju, Deputy Director and Political Chief] It seems that the subject of President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference on the 14th ultimately became 'Cho Kuk.'

On that day, President Moon firmly supported the prosecution personnel reshuffle initiated by 'Choo Da-reuk.' He effectively showed a public red card to Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, the central figure in the 'insubordination' controversy.

From President Moon's perspective, the issue of personnel authority over the prosecution was a past Achilles' heel. During the Roh Moo-hyun administration, President Roh attempted open dialogues with prosecutors. In these talks, the prosecutors persistently demanded 'prosecutorial personnel authority.' They showed the 'resolve' to openly pressure the president and the Minister of Justice, who held personnel authority, to hand over that authority.

The prosecution strongly resisted external checks and balances. Regarding prosecution reform, they did not hesitate to clash with the administration. Using investigations as a pretext, the prosecution launched counterattacks. The Roh administration rolled up its sleeves to reform the all-powerful prosecution. However, it ultimately failed due to naivety in relying on the prosecution's self-purification ability.

President Moon likely learned a bitter lesson about prosecution reform at that time. The lesson was that prosecution reform without accompanying legal amendments and personnel authority was bound to fail. Therefore, he devoted all efforts to legislating prosecution reform, which, after twists and turns, passed through the National Assembly.

President Moon's next step was to exercise personnel authority over the prosecution. When Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon clashed over 'laws' and 'precedents,' the 'insubordination frame' was raised. Minister Choo, former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, and Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan took the lead. Of course, behind the scenes, the Blue House was holding back but standing firm.

Through the New Year's press conference, President Moon firmly nailed down his position. When questions about the prosecution arose, he used the term 'extralegal' four times. He directly criticized Prosecutor General Yoon, saying he "acted against the personnel process."

At this point, it was a firm warning to Prosecutor General Yoon and the prosecution not to defy the personnel authority issue. It appears that President Moon resolved to endure any criticism of 'retaliatory personnel reshuffles' in this matter.

On the other hand, regarding former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, whom the prosecution indicted, he used emotional expressions. He expressed that he "owed a debt of the heart" to Cho Kuk, who had suffered hardships. He also appealed to let go of Cho Kuk now. This scene goes beyond simply supporting Minister Choo's stance on prosecution personnel. It indirectly sides with Cho Kuk, who is a suspect, against the prosecution.

As President Moon mentioned, the guilt or innocence of former Minister Cho Kuk is a matter for the courts to decide. Therefore, the emotional remarks about suspect Cho Kuk were inappropriate. No matter how complicated and regrettable the feelings, he should have been more reserved.

There are many reasons. The 'Cho Kuk incident' unintentionally divided public opinion. The true face of the 'Gangnam left' or 'progressives with vested interests,' symbolized by Cho Kuk, was also revealed. The general public's sense of loss and deprivation flared up like wildfire. Ultimately, the issue of a fair society engulfed the entire country.

The press conference delivered a strong message to the prosecution. Regardless of how prosecution reform will be evaluated in the future, it was a solemn occasion. This is also why remarks that appeared to side with Cho Kuk in any form were even more inappropriate.