[Summary] Ruling and Opposition Parties Split Over Choo's Resignation... Ruling Party "Respect for Her Decision" vs Opposition "Faithful Hatchet Man"

Ruling Party: "Hope This Marks a Fresh Start for the Prosecution"
Opposition: "Yoon's Suspension Is Unjust... Choo Seems to Have Completed Her Mission"

Justice Minister Choo Mi Ae is making an announcement at a press briefing related to the reform of power institutions held at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 16th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporter Hur Midam] As Justice Minister Choo Mi Ae tendered her resignation, the ruling and opposition parties showed sharply contrasting reactions on December 17. The ruling party expressed respect and admiration for Minister Choo's decision, while the opposition fiercely criticized her, accusing her of faithfully playing the role of a "hatchet man."

Kim Taenyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "Minister Choo has expressed her intention to resign. She has strongly pushed forward with prosecutorial reform, and I pay my respects to her decision."

He continued, "Reform that abandons past privileges and moves toward a prosecution that serves the people is an irreversible trend of the times," adding, "I hope this will serve as an opportunity for the prosecution to make a fresh start."

Kim also addressed Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the opposition, saying, "Yesterday, while speaking about the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), you said, 'The current administration is planning to appoint someone of their own choosing as the CIO chief and is scheming to privatize the office.' I find this very regrettable."

He added, "There were lengthy negotiations regarding the CIO, and among all people, Representative Joo should know best that there is no CIO chief pre-selected by the government or the ruling party. I do not understand why you would say such a thing. It distorts the facts and even sounds highly malicious," emphasizing, "We ask the People Power Party to cooperate in recommending a fair candidate."

Kim Jongin, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 17th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In contrast, the People Power Party unanimously voiced criticism toward Minister Choo. Kim Jongin, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman, said at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 17th, in response to Prosecutor General Yoon receiving a two-month suspension, "In the name of the people, we sternly urge the Democratic Party and the ruling bloc to immediately stop the destruction of state affairs that exceeds even the abuse of state power."

He continued, "Looking at the current political situation in our country, we are facing a serious crisis that threatens our very existence since the Korean War. Some have pointed out that the rule of law has been 'shut down' and democracy has been declared dead. Many citizens commonly believe that President Moon Jae-in and the ruling bloc are at the center of the destruction of the rule of law, democracy, and the abnormal state of affairs."

After the Emergency Response Committee meeting, Kim told reporters, "The disciplinary action against Yoon Seok-yeol was fabricated by force," adding, "They coordinated their opinions among themselves regarding the two-month suspension, and there are traces of deliberation. Some members avoided participation and left. Still, since the disciplinary committee was convened, I think they had no choice but to impose a two-month suspension out of an obsession to leave a mark of disciplinary action."

Regarding Minister Choo's resignation the previous day, he said, "It seems her duties as minister have come to an end," adding, "I don't think she will remain in her post any longer. (President Moon) will likely accept her resignation."

Joo Ho-young, the floor leader, also said at the Emergency Response Committee meeting, "Minister Choo faithfully played the role of a hatchet man," sarcastically adding, "President Moon also managed to subdue Prosecutor General Yoon without getting his own hands dirty. Congratulations."

Joo continued, "I sincerely congratulate you on stopping all investigations related to the administration, transferring them to the CIO, and ensuring your own safety after leaving office," adding, "When Prosecutor General Yoon received a one-month suspension under the previous administration, he called it a 'regime with a heart of stone.' I would like to hear what you would call this administration."

Meanwhile, Minister Choo tendered her resignation to President Moon the previous afternoon at the same meeting where she recommended disciplinary action against Prosecutor General Yoon. In response, President Moon reportedly said, "Without Minister Choo's drive and determination, reform of power institutions, including the establishment of the CIO and prosecutorial reform, would not have been possible. I highly appreciate her decision to step down and will carefully consider whether to accept her resignation."

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