Choi Hyung-doo on Investigation Delay of Choo's Son Allegations: "Investigation Results Contaminated by Politics... Must Prove Innocence Themselves"

"Appoint Pro-Government Officials to the Prosecutor's Office... Investigation Should Proceed Through Special Prosecutors"

Choi Hyung-doo, Floor Spokesperson of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Choi Hyung-doo, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, criticized on the 8th that the investigation into the allegations of military favoritism involving the son of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is being delayed, stating, "The results that the investigation team will present are already somewhat politically contaminated."

In an interview with YTN Radio's 'Start New Morning' on the same day, Choi claimed, "Minister Choo appointed people with pro-government tendencies as heads of the prosecution office," making these remarks.

Previously, allegations were raised that Minister Choo's son, while serving in KATUSA, had extended unauthorized leave, was pressured to be assigned as an interpreter for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and received requests for unit transfers.

Regarding this, Choi said, "In this case, ordinary parents who have sent their sons to the military or those who have served themselves in South Korea would find these things unimaginable," and pointed out, "This should be investigated, but the investigation has been ongoing for eight months without progress."

He added, "Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol should form a new independent investigation team to handle this," and argued, "If Minister Choo wants to quickly prove her innocence, it is appropriate to form an independent investigation team and abide by its results."

He continued, "To assert her innocence, the investigation should not be delayed like this," and said, "The Minister of Justice said she would prove her innocence and that these are like fictional stories. Whether this is fiction or not, the Minister herself should promptly proceed with the investigation through a special prosecutor," he added.

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae delivering a greeting at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 1st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Choi Hyung-doo pointed out that the allegations surrounding Minister Choo threaten President Moon Jae-in's approval ratings.

He explained, "Just like the case of Cho Kuk (former Minister of Justice), there have been incidents where issues that could have been simply clarified or resolved with an apology were repeatedly hidden, endangering the presidency," and said, "Currently, the president's approval ratings are under threat."

He added, "The ruling party, especially Minister Choo, who herself said this is a simple case, should clear her name on her own, and if she is innocent, the investigation should be conducted in a way that proves her innocence, which I consider a moderate approach."

He further warned, "If the special prosecutor is obstructed or prevented from launching this time, it will cause bigger problems," and added, "It could even lead to her resignation or dismissal."

Regarding the allegations that there was pressure to select Minister Choo's son, Mr. Seo, who served as KATUSA during the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, as an interpreter, he said, "(The publicly released testimony of a retired colonel) is specific. In that process, there is even testimony from a Ministry of National Defense official stating that such requests violate the Kim Young-ran Act," and added, "Since this is an alibi issue, I think it can be quickly verified."

He also said, "Minister Choo is now at a stage where it is difficult to endure any longer," and warned, "Since she claims to be innocent, as a minister of a nation, she must take responsibility for her honor."

He emphasized the need to proceed with an investigation by a special prosecutor, saying, "People's scrutiny has increased, and since she herself said this is a simple investigation, appointing a special prosecutor who can conduct a neutral and objective investigation and following the investigation results is the proper course of action."

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