Expanded Hearing... Kim Oh-soo: "I Will Establish a Practice of Investigative Listening" (Comprehensive)

Political Bias and Legal Activities Emerge as Key Issues in Confirmation Hearings... Kim: "I Will Gain Public Trust Through Minmusinbulrip"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Kim Osu, the nominee for Prosecutor General, stated that he will "establish an investigation practice centered on listening." He also expressed his intention to strengthen the prosecution's role in judicial control and human rights protection, adopting the attitude of 'Minmu Sinbulrip' to gain public trust.

On the 26th, Kim made these remarks during his opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, saying, "Recently, there have been criticisms within the prosecution organization about mutual distrust such as conflicts and factionalism."

Kim seemed conscious of the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police and the recently controversial prosecution organizational reform, saying, "Someone has to stabilize the prosecution organization, which is in a difficult situation for the people, and settle the new criminal justice system." He quoted the phrase 'Nomajiji (老馬之智)' from Han Feizi, saying, "Like an old horse, my final duty is to work solely for the people."

Regarding distrust within the prosecution, he said, "I believe the most important task in reality is a trusted prosecution," adding, "As the teaching of the Analects, Minmu Sinbulrip (民無信不立) ? no organization can stand without gaining the trust of the people."

On concerns about fairness controversies during the prosecution's work, he expressed worries that "such controversies may intensify ahead of the upcoming presidential and local elections." Kim stated, "The prosecution will perform its duties fairly and equitably under the same laws and standards according to the constitutional spirit, regardless of political, economic, or social status, while paying attention not to neglect concrete justice in individual cases."

However, the confirmation hearing is expected to continue raising the issue of Kim's 'political bias.' It is known that he handled the Optimus and Lime cases as a lawyer and even wrote a letter encouraging the investigation team after the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun, which may lead to further scrutiny from the ruling party. In fact, Kim assisted former Ministers of Justice Park Sang-ki, Cho Kuk, and Choo Mi-ae consecutively as Vice Minister of Justice, leading prosecution reforms. This background is why both the opposition and some within the prosecution question Kim's 'political neutrality.'

In the legal community, there are concerns that a person who assisted former Ministers of Justice Cho Kuk and Choo Mi-ae may show limitations in fairly investigating power-related corruption. On this day, the opposition plans to focus on allegations of Kim's involvement in the illegal deportation case of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui and suggestions to exclude the 'Yoon Seok-yeol line' from the Cho Kuk investigation team.

Regarding the ruling party's push for 'Geomsu Wanbak' (complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority), Kim indirectly expressed a negative view on the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (Jungsucheong), but it seems closer to a call for slowing down rather than outright opposition, suggesting he will support the final prosecution reform steps of the Moon Jae-in administration.

The prosecution organizational reform plan proposed by Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye is also one of the main controversies. The plan focuses on limiting direct investigations by the prosecution's criminal division, and Kim's stance on this will likely provide a preview of the organizational reform and prosecution personnel changes scheduled for next month.

It is also controversial that Kim reportedly handled many prosecution investigation cases related to Optimus and Lime while working as an advisory lawyer at the law firm Hwahaeon after resigning as Vice Minister of Justice. Since he was Vice Minister of Justice, receiving investigation updates during the Lime case investigation, he cannot avoid allegations of preferential treatment. In December last year, besides representing Jung Young-chae, CEO of NH Investment & Securities, who sold the Optimus fund causing many victims, Kim also took on two cases related to Woori Bank in the Lime case.

As he is likely to become the last Prosecutor General of the Moon Jae-in administration, sharp scrutiny is expected from the ruling party as well. After former President Roh's death, Kim posted on the prosecution's internal network, saying, "It is regrettable that the investigation team's will to eradicate corruption is fading." This statement, expressing disappointment with the current administration, indicated a stance opposite to the present government. Other allegations include gift tax evasion and high advisory fees. While the ruling party claims most related allegations have been clarified, the opposition plans to intensively probe these and other qualification controversies.

Meanwhile, according to the confirmation hearing law, Kim's confirmation hearing report must be sent to President Moon by today. However, it is uncertain whether the hearing procedures and report adoption can be completed on the same day. If the National Assembly does not send the report, the president can request resubmission within 10 days.

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