Choo Mi-ae's First Apology "Sorry to the People for My Son's Issue"... Denies Allegations

"No Reason to Break Procedure"... "Determined to Complete Prosecution Reform"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] On the 13th, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae made her first statement regarding various allegations, including special leave granted to her son Seo Mo during his military service, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the public for causing concern over issues related to my son's military service." However, she strongly denied the allegations of special leave for her son.

On that day, Minister Choo stated on her Facebook, "I have been patient and reserved in speaking until now," explaining, "This is because, as the Minister of Justice, I was concerned about influencing the ongoing prosecution investigation." She added, "The truth must be clearly revealed through the prosecution's investigation," and said, "My son is fully cooperating with the prosecution's investigation. The prosecution should serve only the public's mandate to uncover the substantive truth without being influenced by anyone."

Regarding the allegations of special leave for her son, she said, "There was absolutely no reason to violate any procedures," and added, "Whether there was any illegality as some have suspected during this process is being investigated by the prosecution, and I am quietly waiting."

She also conveyed the message, "Now is the time for truth," emphasizing, "Falsehoods and distortions may temporarily obscure the truth, but they can never hide it forever."

Her remarks about her family were also notable. Minister Choo mentioned that her husband is disabled with a leg injury from a traffic accident, saying, "Even my son underwent surgery on both legs. He returned to the unit without full recovery. As a mother, how could I not worry that my son might suffer lifelong aftereffects?" She continued, "However, I trusted the Republic of Korea military and entrusted everything to them," and said, "My son returned to normal unit life and completed his military service healthily and diligently. I have always been grateful to the military, then and now."

She also hinted that she has no intention of resigning. "I have upheld principles in the face of any adversity and will continue to protect them as if my life depends on it," she said. "This incident will be an opportunity for me to reflect on myself. I will examine my attitude more humbly and consider things more deeply." She added, "Fulfilling the task of prosecutorial reform without wavering is the will of the people and my destined responsibility," and concluded, "I will surely complete prosecutorial reform."

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