On the Day Choo Criticized Prosecutor General's Actions, Yoon Urged Investigation of Living Power

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl (right)
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol said on the 3rd, "We must severely punish crimes committed by social elites and become a prosecution that serves the people."

On the afternoon of the same day, Yoon delivered a leadership lecture to newly appointed chief prosecutors at the main building of the Judicial Research and Training Institute in Jincheon, Chungbuk. He stated, "The vision and goal of prosecutorial reform is to ensure fairness and equality in the enforcement of criminal law." This message echoed President Moon Jae-in's request at the time of Yoon's inauguration last year that "even those in power must be investigated," which he conveyed to junior prosecutors.

Yoon also emphasized, "As a chief, it is necessary to act as a counselor like an older brother or sister to the team members and foster emotional unity." He added, "Leadership that builds good teamwork, accurate evaluation of team members, and fair distribution of work are important," and urged, "Please guide juniors from an objective perspective by stepping back from the case." This was an explanation of the virtues that prosecutors in leadership positions should possess.

On the same day, Yoon gave a lecture lasting about an hour to around 30 newly appointed chief prosecutors from the 33rd and 34th classes of the Judicial Research and Training Institute. This on-site activity took place amid a confrontation with Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. While some viewed it as an effort to strengthen internal unity, Yoon generally conveyed a restrained message to the junior prosecutors.

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is moving within the Jincheon Legal Research and Training Institute on the afternoon of the 3rd to give a lecture to about 30 prosecutors who were promoted to chief prosecutors this year.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, interpretations remain that the very act of expanding contact with frontline prosecutors amid the tense relations with Minister Choo carries significant meaning both inside and outside the prosecution. The conflict with Minister Choo has deepened following the National Assembly audit, and recently, the atmosphere within the prosecution has become uneasy. Hundreds of supportive comments have been posted on the prosecution's internal network in response to posts opposing Minister Choo's excessive use of personnel, command, and inspection authority. Amid signs of a so-called 'prosecution crisis,' there are talks that Prosecutor General Yoon is moving to strengthen internal cohesion.

On the other hand, Minister Choo strongly criticized Yoon's actions on the same day, saying, "They undermine the political neutrality of the prosecution and erode public trust." She pointed out that political neutrality is demanded more strictly of the prosecution than any other institution as a power agency, and accused the Prosecutor General of failing in this regard. Minister Choo also emphasized, "I consider the current situation to be a very serious issue," and stated, "We will communicate with prosecutors to complete prosecutorial reform so that the prosecution can truly become a human rights advocacy institution."

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