Resignation Amid Controversy Over Lawyer for 'Jo Joo-bin Accomplice' Serving on the Recommendation Committee for the Chief of the Corruption Investigation Office (Update)

Baek Hye-ryun, head of the Digital Sexual Crime Eradication Task Force of the Democratic Party of Korea (second from the right), is speaking at the ruling party-government meeting on measures against the Telegram Nth Room case held at the National Assembly last April.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Jang Seong-geun, a lawyer selected as the ruling party's candidate recommendation committee member for the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency Chief (PCC Chief), announced his resignation on the 13th. This appears to be a voluntary withdrawal following controversy after it was revealed that Jang had defended Kang Mo (25), an accomplice of Cho Ju-bin, the operator of the "Telegram Nth Room."

Baek Hye-ryun, chairperson of the party's recommendation committee that selected Lawyer Jang, stated in a press release on the same day, "Considering the symbolism and gravity, we should have examined more meticulously, but there were shortcomings," and expressed "deep regret." She added, "We will promptly complete the selection of the PCC Chief candidate recommendation committee members."

Although Lawyer Jang was selected as a recommendation committee member that day, controversy arose when it was revealed that he had defended Kang, who was arrested in January on charges of commissioning the murder of the daughter of Jang’s high school homeroom teacher A and providing personal information and payment to Cho.

Through a text message, Lawyer Jang said, "Due to a longstanding connection with the suspect's parents, I was compelled to take the case," but he also stated, "I have currently submitted my resignation, but if this issue affects the launch of the PCC, I personally and historically find it unacceptable," indicating his refusal to accept the committee position.

In this regard, Choi Hyung-doo, floor spokesperson for the United Future Party, commented, "What is so urgent for the Blue House to hasten the appointment of PCC Chief candidate recommendation committee members while the PCC Act is under constitutional review?" He criticized, "How can they appoint the lawyer of an accomplice in the Nth Room case, which has caused public outrage, as a recommendation committee member? What kind of PCC Chief candidate do they want?"

He added, "If urgent oversight of public officials’ corruption, such as the successive sexual violence crimes by Democratic Party mayors and governors, is needed, then appoint the Special Inspector, a post vacant for four years, first."

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