Seol Hoon "If It Were Me, 100% Yoon Seok-yeol Dismissal" vs Kim Ki-hyun "Clear Political Punishment"

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who was unable to go to work due to the decision to exclude him from duty by Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, is responding to reporters' questions as he arrives at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu on the afternoon of the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] On the 15th, regarding the disciplinary committee scheduled for Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, Democratic Party lawmaker Seol Hoon stated, "If I were a disciplinary committee member, it would be a 100% dismissal," adding, "(Given the current situation) at least suspension is possible." On the other hand, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun criticized, "The disciplinary procedure against Prosecutor General Yoon is neither legitimate nor fair."

On the 14th, appearing on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Lawmaker Seol said about the possible conclusion of the disciplinary committee, "I think the ruling will be something like dismissal, removal, or suspension," and added, "Considering that there are quite a few citizens who support the opposition party, I think there might be a case for suspension rather than dismissal."

Regarding Prosecutor General Yoon's potential presidential run, he said, "Personally, if Yoon wants to run, he can go ahead," adding, "(Because) I believe he will definitely lose if he runs."

He continued, "Although Yoon is polling first, if our candidates (Representative Lee Nak-yeon, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, etc.) unite, can he compete?" and added, "If Yoon claims he is not engaging in political activities, the public will laugh."

Regarding criticism that the bill restricting current prosecutors and judges from running for public office for one year after retirement, proposed by pro-government lawmakers including Choi Kang-wook of the Open Democratic Party, is aimed at preventing Prosecutor General Yoon's candidacy, Lawmaker Seol drew a line, saying, "I don't think that's the case."

Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, is engaged in unlimited debate on the partial amendment bill (alternative) concerning the establishment and operation of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials during the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, Lawmaker Kim said, "Including Lawmaker Choi Kang-wook, many Democratic Party lawmakers signed and submitted the bill," and pointed out, "Simply put, they made a law to ban Yoon Seok-yeol from running."

He continued, "It's ridiculous to make a law targeting someone who hasn't even been elected yet," and added, "In fact, the Democratic Party currently has two sitting lawmakers who are former judges and became members of the National Assembly within one year of retirement (Lee Su-jin and Choi Ki-sang). If you look at it that way, these Democratic Party lawmakers should resign first."

Regarding the disciplinary procedure against Prosecutor General Yoon, Lawmaker Kim criticized, "I think it's like a magistrate's trial in the Joseon Dynasty," and said, "It is neither legitimate nor fair at all."

He added, "Looking at the disciplinary procedure now, it is not a legal discipline but a political one," and criticized, "Lawmaker Seol said, 'The opposition party is also the people, and there are supporters, so there might be a suspension,' but that is nonsense."

He continued, "If there is a legal fault, it should be punished accordingly. You should not mitigate or aggravate the punishment based on consideration of opposition supporters. That is political discipline," raising his voice.

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