Park Beom-gye, Ruling Party's Push for 'LH Special Prosecutor' Says "If Answered Wrongly, Article May Grow"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Regarding the ruling party's position to consult with the opposition on introducing a special prosecutor for the investigation of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye avoided a direct answer, saying, "It is not appropriate for the Minister of Justice to respond to what is being said in the political arena."

On the afternoon of the 21st, Minister Park visited the Seoul Juvenile Classification Review Center and said, "If I answer incorrectly, the article might become too big," expressing this stance.

When asked whether prosecutors or investigators would be dispatched if a special prosecutor is introduced, he replied, "It is a bit difficult for me to answer."

Within the legal community, there is criticism that the ruling party's move to bring up the special prosecutor card anew is a waste of investigative and administrative resources, as the National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters is already leading the investigation into the 'LH speculation' allegations following the adjustment of investigative authority between prosecutors and police.

Regarding the case where Lim Eun-jeong, the Policy Research Officer of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Inspection Department, was accused of leaking official secrets for publicly revealing the alleged perjury coaching in the former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook case on social media (SNS), Minister Park said, "Since it is done entirely based on her own judgment, it is hard to comment."

He added, "However, I am fully aware of Deputy Director Lim's concerns and those of the investigation team," and said, "She copied the records all day long and brought them, so please wait a bit."

Regarding the purpose of his visit to the Juvenile Classification Review Center, Minister Park said, "Under no circumstances should we give up on the future of juvenile offenders, and we must constantly strive to help them adapt as common members of society," adding, "I came to encourage the Juvenile Classification Review Center as it is the frontline institution."

After meeting with students and guardians at the center, he held a meeting with the center staff.

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