Choo Mi-ae's Controversy Over Official Car Use During 'Mountain Temple Vacation'... Choo's Rebuttal: "Prosecutors and Media Are Anti-Reform Alliance"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] It has been confirmed that Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae used an official vehicle when she went on a 'mountain temple vacation' amid her confrontation with Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol over the exercise of investigative command rights related to the 'prosecutor-media collusion' suspicion investigation. In response, Minister Chu protested, saying, "The prosecution and the media are forming an anti-reform alliance front."

According to data received by Yoon Han-hong, a member of the Future United Party, from the Ministry of Justice on the 16th, Minister Chu took annual leave on the 7th and 8th and visited Yongjusa Temple in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province.

It is known that Minister Chu traveled in an official vehicle driven by a ministerial chauffeur even to the temple.

Some have pointed out that Minister Chu violated the Code of Conduct for Public Officials in this regard.

Article 13 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials states, "Public officials shall not use official vehicles, ships, aircraft, or other public property and additional services provided through the use of budget for private purposes without justifiable reasons."

During Minister Chu's 'mountain temple vacation,' one secretary and one executive secretary accompanied her. They reportedly took personal leave and stayed at Yongjusa Temple with Minister Chu.

The Ministry of Justice explained that although Minister Chu was on vacation, she was handling work by receiving reports frequently, so there was no problem with the use of the official vehicle.

After reports about the 'official vehicle use controversy' appeared in the media that day, Minister Chu expressed discomfort on her social networking service (SNS) Facebook, saying, "Problematic media continue to make problematic reports. Amazing," and "If this is the response to voyeuristic reporting, it is disappointing."

Subsequently, as related reports continued in progressive-leaning media, she posted again, writing, "The prosecution and the media are forming an anti-reform alliance front against democratic citizens who desire reform," and "The progressive newspapers that support voyeuristic reports are also legal affairs reporters. I will unsubscribe."

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