Choo Mi-ae "Leading the organization for personal convenience"... Indirect criticism of Yoon Seok-yeol

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae made a remark in a public setting that seemed to target Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, "Those delegated with authority are engaging in 'legal tactics' to lead the organization for their own convenience."

On the morning of the 24th, at the 57th 'Law Day' government awards ceremony held in the main conference room of the Gwacheon Government Complex in Gyeonggi Province, Minister Choo said, "(Those delegated authority by the people) are acting contrary to the purpose of delegation through various ordinances or regulations."

Although she did not mention Prosecutor General Yoon directly, it appears she was criticizing his handling of the allegations of 'coerced testimony' in the political funds case involving former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook and the decision to convene a special investigative advisory panel on the 'prosecutor-media collusion' allegations.

She added, "I deeply regret this," and said, "As stated in the Constitution, I reaffirm my resolve that there must never be any negligence in fulfilling our duties in accordance with popular sovereignty."

President Moon Jae-in had urged Minister Choo and Prosecutor General Yoon to cooperate during the Fair Society Anti-Corruption Policy Council meeting held at the Blue House on the 22nd, seemingly resolving the conflict between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution. However, this remark raised the possibility of renewed tension.

Minister Choo also said, "Just as the standard of law is centered on the people, those who handle the law exercise authority delegated by the sovereign people," adding, "The content of the law must lead to conclusions that the people consider just."

She continued, "Compared to the past, the rule of law has made significant progress," emphasizing, "To properly uphold the rule of law, the work I am doing is the prosecution reform, which is the most distrusted institution."

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