"Special Prosecutor and Corruption Investigation Office Should Be Handled Together"... People Power Party Launches Counterattack

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] The People Power Party has pressured the government and ruling party to handle the Lime and Optimus scandal special prosecutor bill together with the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (PCC). Additionally, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae emphasized that if there is suspicion of obstruction of investigation, a special prosecutor should be appointed and demanded her dismissal.

On the 20th, Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, said at a floor leaders' meeting held at the National Assembly, "Let's take this opportunity to launch the PCC, appoint a special prosecutor for the Lime case, and also appoint the Blue House special inspector, the director of the North Korean Human Rights Foundation, and the North Korean Human Rights Ambassador to avoid any vacancies." He added, "If they try to push through only the PCC because they have more seats, the public will not tolerate it."

This was a counterattack against Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who said he would expedite the launch of the PCC. After the meeting, Joo also told reporters, "Previously, the position was to appoint the special inspector first, but now we propose to proceed with the PCC and special prosecutor simultaneously and reach a conclusion." He said, "If the special prosecutor is accepted, the PCC will also be handled together."

However, he emphasized that the toxic provisions of the hastily passed PCC law must be amended. Joo pointed out, "This administration is separating investigative and prosecutorial powers as part of so-called investigation reform, but the PCC holds both. The provision allowing the PCC to investigate abuse of authority and dereliction of duty by judges and prosecutors also needs improvement."

Joo criticized, "Names of those in power and influential figures in the Democratic Party are also being mentioned in connection with the Lime and Optimus funds. Justice Minister Choo or President Moon Jae-in could simply form a special investigation team and conduct a strict investigation. If not, appointing a special prosecutor would easily resolve the issue."

On the 20th, Kwon Seong-dong, the special committee chairman of the People Power Party for the Lime-Optimus power-type corruption gate, and committee members held a press conference at the National Assembly regarding the exclusion of the Prosecutor General's investigation command authority. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The People Power Party's 'Lime and Optimus Power Corruption Special Committee' also announced that the special prosecutor bill has been completed and will be submitted soon. At a press conference, Kwon Seong-dong, chairman of the special committee, said, "We have drafted the special prosecutor bill at the committee level and are planning to decide on submitting it after consulting with the floor leadership." He added, "Only the resignation of Minister Choo and the introduction of a special prosecutor can end this political conflict and set the Republic of Korea on the right path."

Justice Minister Choo is also included as a subject of the special prosecutor. Chairman Kwon explained, "The subjects include those suspected of shielding political and business figures related to the Lime and Optimus fraud, and we understand there are key figures even more central than former Star Mobility chairman Kim Bong-hyun." He continued, "We have included all cases of abuse of authority and dereliction of duty related to case handling and investigation as subjects of investigation." He added, "Minister Choo will also be subject to investigation if there is suspicion of obstruction."

Chairman Kwon also raised suspicions about Minister Choo's exercise of investigative authority. He said, "In the Lime case, a Democratic Party regional committee chairman was arrested for accepting 80 million won in bribes, and Democratic Party lawmaker Ki Dong-min and Chief Secretary of the National Assembly Kang Ki-jung are also mentioned as investigation targets and are under suspicion." He added, "It seems Minister Choo judged that if Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol continues to lead the investigation, it would be difficult to conceal corruption within the ruling party."

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