Ministry of Justice: "Replacing the Investigation Team for Alleged Collusion Between Prosecutors and Journalists and Appointing a Special Prosecutor Contradicts Choo's Directive"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 3rd, Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol convened chief prosecutors nationwide to discuss whether to accept Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's investigation directive, and the Ministry of Justice released a related statement.

Regarding several forecasts and claims that may arise after the chief prosecutors' meeting, the Ministry emphasized that they lack justification and are "contrary to Minister Choo's instructions."

On the 3rd, the Ministry of Justice stated, "The investigation directive issued yesterday by the Minister of Justice is intended to ensure that the investigation team, which has already made considerable progress in the related investigation, independently and fairly conducts the investigation solely based on the law and conscience, following the evidence uncovered through normal procedures."

It added, "Claims for replacing the investigation team or appointing a third special prosecutor, as argued by some, are already belated and lack justification and necessity, as well as being contrary to the Minister's instructions."

Minister Choo had previously ordered in writing to suspend the procedure of the expert investigation advisory panel on the prosecution-media collusion investigation and to direct the independent investigation by the team not under the supervision of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.

In response, Prosecutor General Yoon decided not to proceed with the expert investigation advisory panel scheduled for the 3rd and to gather opinions by meeting with chief prosecutors nationwide.

After the meeting, Prosecutor General Yoon is expected to announce whether he will accept the investigation directive and his position. Meanwhile, some speculate that a decision to replace the investigation team or appoint a special prosecutor may be made.

The Prosecutor General may appoint a special prosecutor according to Article 2 of the Guidelines on the Operation of Special Prosecutors.

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