President Moon approves Yoon Seok-yeol's 'suspension' disciplinary action... Choo expresses resignation (Update)

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in approved on the afternoon of the 16th the disciplinary recommendation from Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae regarding the disciplinary decision of the disciplinary committee on Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, the Blue House announced. Minister Choo expressed her intention to resign on the same day.

Jung Man-ho, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, held a briefing at the press center in the afternoon and announced, "According to the Prosecutors' Disciplinary Act, when the minister recommends disciplinary action, the president must approve and enforce the disciplinary plan without discretion."

Regarding this, President Moon stated, "As the appointing authority, I take the unprecedented situation of the 'disciplinary action against the Prosecutor General' very seriously," and added, "I deeply apologize to the public." He also said, "I hope this will be an opportunity for the prosecution to stand upright," and "I expect this to bring an end to the confusion surrounding the disciplinary action against the Prosecutor General and to mark a new start for the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution."

Furthermore, Senior Secretary Jung conveyed that Minister Choo expressed her intention to resign to President Moon at this occasion. However, President Moon said, "I highly appreciate Minister Choo's expression of resignation and her decision regarding her position, and I will carefully consider whether to accept it," adding, "I hope she will fulfill her duties until the very end."

He also stated, "Without Minister Choo's drive and determination, reforms of power institutions, including the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and investigative authority reform, would have been impossible," and expressed special gratitude for her faithful completion of the mission entrusted by the times.

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