Kim Yong-min: "Impeachment Should Be Recognized as a Routine Procedure... Yoon Seok-yeol Meets the Requirements"

"Impeachment of Public Officials, a Unique Function of the National Assembly... Checking the Executive and Judiciary through Impeachment"
"President Moon Jae-in Likely to Finally Select Candidate Kim Jin-wook as Chief of the Corruption Investigation Office"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Yong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that "impeachment of ordinary public officials, not elected officials, is a unique function of the National Assembly," and emphasized the need to actively consider the impeachment of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol.

In a YTN radio interview on the morning of the 30th, Rep. Kim said, "Although the court granted a stay of execution, even the decision document acknowledges Prosecutor General Yoon's wrongful and illegal actions," adding, "In principle, the requirements for impeachment are met. I believe it is necessary to positively and actively consider (impeachment)."

Regarding cautious opinions within the party, he emphasized, "Impeachment of prosecutors or judges is not a very difficult system; rather, it should be recognized as a system that can occur routinely," and added, "This way, judges and prosecutors can reflect on themselves and it can serve as a warning, so it should not be considered too difficult."

He continued, "Regarding impeachment of elected officials, it is natural to re-ask the will of the people who elected them, so it can be complicated and cause political confusion. However, impeachment of ordinary public officials who are not elected is actually a unique function of the National Assembly," emphasizing, "Through impeachment, the legislative branch can check the executive and judiciary."

Regarding the prospect of the first head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gongu-cheo), he said, "Personally, I think President Moon Jae-in will ultimately select candidate Kim Jin-wook as the final head of Gongu-cheo." On the timing of Gongu-cheo's launch, he explained, "According to the Personnel Hearing Act, if the re-request period passes, the appointment can be made automatically, so no matter how much the opposition delays, the head of Gongu-cheo can be appointed within 30 days," adding, "Therefore, it is possible to launch in January, and at the latest, it will be fully possible in February."

Regarding the 'Prosecution Office Act' and the 'Abolition of the Prosecutors' Office Act,' which he introduced as the main sponsor the day before, he explained, "Only prosecutors in the Republic of Korea have concentrated powers unprecedented worldwide," and added, "It has long been discussed that the prosecution should remain an institution that performs its original role of prosecution and indictment."

He further added, "Currently, the prosecution structure is divided into three levels: the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, High Prosecutors' Office, and District Prosecutors' Office, but if it is only an institution that files indictments, there is no need to be divided like this. We redesigned the structure to be divided into two levels: District Prosecution Office and High Prosecution Office, effectively eliminating the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."

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