Choo Mi-ae: "We Will Overcome the Trembling Fear and Terror to Fearlessly Advance Our Duty of Prosecutorial Reform"

On the 1st, Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Justice, is entering the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul to attend the Cabinet meeting. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae once again expressed her determination to move forward fearlessly in her mission for prosecutorial reform.

Despite unfavorable outcomes in succession at the Ministry of Justice Inspection Committee and the court hearing the suspension of execution case regarding her disciplinary request and suspension order against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, she clearly stated that she will not be shaken and will fulfill her duty for prosecutorial reform.

On the morning of the 3rd, Minister Chu posted on her Facebook, "Now, I will restore the prosecution of the Republic of Korea to a prosecution that protects human rights and practices fair rule of law," adding, "I will advance without wavering. I will move forward without fear."

She pointed out, "The core of prosecutorial independence is to prevent those in power from unjustly abusing their power and hiding behind money, organizations, or political shields," and added, "However, the prosecution has failed to distinguish between prosecutorial independence and abuse of prosecutorial power, and while shouting to protect prosecutorial independence, it has become a symbol of prosecutorial abuse."

Minister Chu emphasized, "The prosecution, which should investigate human rights violations, has instead committed human rights violations. Investigations are conducted harshly by any means to construct a story that appears to be the truth without fear of being overturned in court due to fabricated facts. They pre-determine the direction and targets of investigations, leak investigation processes to the media to create a favorable atmosphere, and create an environment where no one can object to the investigation. They fail to control the media’s rampage, and suspects are presumed guilty before even standing trial, resulting in a tragic investigative spectacle."

She continued, "Despite conducting such harsh targeted investigations, the prosecution has risen as a symbol of eradicating corruption and great evils. Within the prosecution, this has paved the way for promotions and career advancement. Even outside the prosecution, they have accumulated enormous wealth by receiving huge fees and enjoying privileges such as not submitting prior appointment notices when defending clients, forming a special cartel where former and current officials look out for each other, seniors and juniors protect one another, thereby building a massive fortress."

Minister Chu said, "Thus, it has become a fearsome group that no one dares to touch," adding, "Former presidents, former prime ministers, and former ministers have all fallen victim to these harsh investigative spectacles."

She further criticized, "This all-powerful prosecution readily grants non-indictment as a gift for a bowl of tail soup to those in power, unjustly uses their position to protect close associates, and shows boundless tolerance in front of powerful economic and media forces."

She described the prosecution as "using the standards for investigation and prosecution arbitrarily and subjectively like a rubber band, rejecting any democratic control," and emphasized, "While claiming to investigate 'living power,' the prosecution has politically selected investigation targets to sway public opinion, becoming so politicized as to be called the 'Prosecutors' Party,' thereby nullifying even democratic control mechanisms."

Minister Chu acknowledged feeling fear during the process of prosecutorial reform but reaffirmed her resolve not to back down from her mission.

She stated, "I feel a terrifying fear and dread at this critical juncture," but added, "If this is not overcome, prosecutorial reform will be an empty promise. Therefore, I cannot abandon my duty."

She emphasized, "Now, I will restore the prosecution of the Republic of Korea to a prosecution that protects human rights. I will transform the exercise of prosecutorial power, which has been biased and unfairly favorable to insiders and allies sharing benefits, into a prosecution that practices fair rule of law without discrimination."

Minister Chu concluded her post by saying, "I will advance without wavering. I will move forward without fear. This is my earnest prayer and heart offered at the late President Roh Moo-hyun’s memorial at Naksansa Temple by the East Sea."

Facebook capture of Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Justice

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