Ministry of Justice: "Prosecutor General's Proposal Includes Investigation Team Replacement/Change, Constituting Noncompliance with Minister's Orders"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae (left) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] The Ministry of Justice has stated that the proposal by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol to form an independent investigation headquarters "cannot be seen as carrying out the minister's orders, as it includes the replacement and change of the investigation team."

With Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae rejecting the proposal made by Prosecutor General Yoon just six days after his investigation directive, the conflict between the two appears to have entered a phase where reconciliation is difficult.

On the afternoon of the 8th, the Ministry of Justice stated, "The Prosecutor General's proposal effectively includes the replacement and change of the investigation team, so it cannot be regarded as carrying out the minister's orders as written."

Earlier that day, Prosecutor General Yoon proposed the formation of an independent investigation headquarters, including the current Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigation team, regarding the 'Channel A collusion' case and Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae's investigation directive. He also expressed his position that he would not personally direct the investigation but only receive reports on the results.

That afternoon, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced, "The Prosecutor General respects the Ministry of Justice Minister's directive and, considering opinions inside and outside the prosecution, proposed to the Minister of Justice to have the Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office form an independent investigation headquarters including the current Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigation team, which would conduct a fair and strict investigation without being directed by the Prosecutor General and only report the investigation results to the Prosecutor General, so that the truth of the entire Channel A-related case can be clearly identified."

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