Kim Osu, Deputy Minister of Justice, Steps Down: "The Past 10 Months Were the Most Difficult in My Public Service Career"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Kim Oh-soo, Deputy Minister of Justice (age 57, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 20), expressed his reflections on the 27th as he stepped down, saying, "The past 10 months felt as long and difficult as three years."

At the farewell ceremony held around 2 p.m. at the Ministry of Justice building in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Deputy Minister Kim said, "Now, after Minister (Choo Mi-ae) took office in January this year and the general election has ended, is the most appropriate time," adding, "Since June last year, I have always been thinking about when to quit as my passion cooled and the tasks I was assigned became too difficult to handle."

Deputy Minister Kim is leaving the Ministry of Justice after about 1 year and 10 months in office. He was appointed in June 2018 when former Minister Cho Kuk was serving as the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House, and worked with three Ministers of Justice appointed by the Moon Jae-in administration: former Minister Park Sang-ki, former Minister Cho, and Minister Choo.

When former Minister Cho resigned in October last year amid investigations by the prosecution over allegations of his children's admission fraud and private equity fund investments, Deputy Minister Kim served as acting minister for about 80 days, leading the Ministry of Justice.

In November last year, Deputy Minister Kim directly reported to the Blue House about the abolition of the prosecution's direct investigation departments without consulting the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, which led to criticism from some legal circles accusing the Ministry of Justice of attempting to control the prosecution.

The farewell ceremony was held privately to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In his farewell speech, Deputy Minister Kim said, "Thanks to your understanding and support, all of you working diligently at 265 justice and prosecution institutions nationwide, I was able to endure and overcome," adding, "While serving in public office, I often let my insufficient character, passion, and enthusiasm lead me to anger or hurt your feelings. There were even more cases where I failed to properly observe, consider, or understand those of you working hard."

He continued, "I should admit each mistake and ask for forgiveness, but since I am leaving so suddenly, I hope you will forgive me with a generous heart," and added, "I will repay the grace and love I received from you as I live my life going forward."

Regarding his successor, Ko Ki-young, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (age 55, class 23), he introduced him as "a reform-minded person with a rational and warm heart," and said, "He also has experience working at the Ministry of Justice, is knowledgeable about justice and prosecution work, and is an excellent person with outstanding capability and skills."

Deputy Minister Kim's future plans have not yet been announced. However, since he was once considered for the position of Financial Supervisory Service Governor, there is speculation that he will be promoted to a major government post. He is also mentioned in legal circles as a candidate for positions such as Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission or Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.

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