'Two Months of Probation' Yoon Seok-yeol... Hearing Begins for Suspension of Execution Application

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The hearing for the injunction application filed by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who is contesting the disciplinary action, has begun.

The Seoul Administrative Court Administrative Division 12 (Presiding Judge Hong Soon-wook) held a hearing at 2 p.m. on the 22nd regarding Yoon’s application for an injunction against the two-month suspension disciplinary action filed against Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae.

On this day, Prosecutor General Yoon conveyed through his lawyers that he would not attend in person. Instead, Yoon’s side was represented by attorneys Lee Wan-kyu and Lee Seok-woong, while the Ministry of Justice side was represented by attorney Lee Ok-hyung. The court proceeded with the hearing by listening to both parties’ opinions and requesting explanations on necessary matters.

Attorney Lee Seok-woong, upon attending the court, stated, "I intend to actively argue that this disciplinary action has caused enormous irreparable damage to the nation, that the Prosecutor General must return to duty as soon as possible, even by a second, and that it does not go against public welfare." He particularly pointed out, "There are serious and clear illegalities and unfairness in all procedures, including the inspection process and the disciplinary committee’s deliberations."

Attorney Lee Ok-hyung from the Ministry of Justice only said, "It must be different because the nature is different from last time," before entering the courtroom. This appears to emphasize that the previous injunction that was granted was a temporary measure excluding Yoon from duty before disciplinary action, whereas this time the President’s approval has already been completed.

Meanwhile, it is known that each side is scheduled to have 30 minutes to express their opinions. The hearing is expected to conclude around 3 p.m., and the decision on whether to grant or dismiss the injunction could be announced as early as the same day. If Yoon’s application is accepted, he will be able to immediately return to duty; if dismissed, he must endure the two-month suspension.

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