Kim Jong-min: "Yoon Seok-yeol Brought This on Himself... Moon Will Trust Chu Mi-ae"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Jong-min are discussing during the Ministry of Justice's audit held on the Legislative and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly on the 12th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Kim Jong-min, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 26th regarding the disciplinary request and suspension of duties against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol by Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae, "It is something Prosecutor General Yoon chose and brought upon himself."

On the same day, Kim said on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' program, "The last problematic action by Prosecutor General Yoon was refusing a face-to-face inspection," adding, "It is not appropriate for the person under inspection to decide whether to undergo it in writing or face-to-face."

He continued, "There may be different thoughts about the motive or clues for the inspection, but if someone raises an issue, you must first comply with the procedures as stated in the law," and pointed out, "As a minister, you cannot allow a Prosecutor General who refuses inspection to remain in office."

Regarding President Moon Jae-in's silence on the matter, he said, "Our society tends to politicize every issue too much and rely on the president's decision," explaining, "For example, if there is no minister, that argument might hold, but the law clearly states that the minister is the one who directs the prosecution on behalf of the president. The minister is directing, so saying 'Minister step aside, I'll handle it myself' is not in line with the legal system."

Kim also stated, "If the president had opposed the disciplinary procedure against Prosecutor General Yoon, he would have given political guidance to the minister," and added, "While the president may not judge the final facts as right or wrong, I believe the president fundamentally trusts the minister to proceed with the procedure."

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