[Column] Will the Last Prosecutor General of the Moon Government Be Different?

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il met with a senior prosecutor in June 2019 at an undisclosed location in Seoul to have a drink before his retirement. He is not usually fond of drinking. However, on that day, he desperately needed a drink. It is reported that Prosecutor General Moon expressed his complex feelings about the conflict over the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and the police, as well as his impending retirement.

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl also felt similarly complicated when leaving office. He reportedly complained several times to acquaintances, saying, "I wanted to protect the government, but I couldn't." He then left the prosecution in opposition to the ruling party's forced legislation of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency. He faced difficulties in investigations targeting the Blue House and conflicts with Ministers of Justice, ultimately not completing his full term.

Looking back at the final moments of these two former Prosecutor Generals, who showed signs of fatigue or skepticism, the Prosecutor General working under the current administration is truly in an 'extreme profession.'

Although holding the sword to lead the prosecution reform that President Moon Jae-in aims to complete, it is not easy to wield it. The Prosecutor General is the head of the prosecution, where independence and neutrality are key, rather than just a practitioner assisting reform. It is also a position that cannot ignore the voices of prosecutors who trust and follow him.

"The Prosecutor General holds the command of reform, but at the same time must represent the prosecution's position, making it a difficult role," said a legal insider, and this is by no means an exaggeration.

The next Prosecutor General has been narrowed down to a four-way contest. When the Minister of Justice recommends one candidate, the President nominates the candidate, who is then appointed after a confirmation hearing and other procedures. This Prosecutor General is the last under the current administration. Will the next Prosecutor General, soon to be appointed, be any different? The upcoming Prosecutor General will face numerous investigations targeting the living powers. Amid this, they must complete the government's prosecution reform. They must also mediate conflicts over case transfers with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), and authority disputes with other investigative agencies such as the Ministry of Justice and the police. These are all challenging tasks that may not go according to their wishes. Meanwhile, they must listen to voices within the prosecution to stabilize the organization.

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