Kim Oh-soo Actively Explains Political Bias... "Priority Is Establishing Criminal Procedure Act Amid 'Prosecutor Reform'" (Comprehensive)

Kim Oh-soo, the nominee for Prosecutor General, is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 26th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Prosecutor General nominee Kim Osu has actively addressed the political neutrality controversy surrounding him. However, he remained reserved on sensitive issues such as the prosecution's organizational restructuring and the illegal travel ban case involving former Deputy Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui.

At the confirmation hearing held on the 26th at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim reiterated his stance regarding the Lime and Optimus fund fraud cases raised since the morning, stating, "I have never defended the operators of the Lime and Optimus funds." However, he avoided answering specifics about his clients, citing that it might violate the confidentiality obligations under the Attorney Act.

Regarding the political neutrality controversy, he emphasized, "There has never been any controversy about my political neutrality during my tenure as a prosecutor." He also highlighted his promotion to chief prosecutor during the Park Geun-hye administration, explaining that the accusations of being 'pro-government' were unfounded.

He also actively addressed the controversy over his son's employment recommendation. When criticized that his son wrote "chief prosecutor" as his father's occupation on his job application, implying he used "Dad's chance," Kim admitted, "I am a father indifferent to my son's employment and studies." However, regarding the monthly salary of 24 million won, which had been controversial even before the hearing, he explained, "It did not meet the public's expectations for someone from a high-ranking position."

Kim showed a cautious stance on the 'complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority' (Geomsu Wanbak). He explained, "The prosecution is essentially a public prosecution agency," and responded, "The priority is to stabilize the revised criminal procedure law system."

On the controversy over the 'leak of the indictment by Seoul District Prosecutor Lee Seong-yoon,' he pointed out, "The leak of the indictment is a problem." Regarding the issue of the indictment leak by Prosecutor Lee, he said, "Of course, the part where the indictment was leaked without following proper procedures or criminal procedure disclosure regulations is problematic," and added, "I understand that a fact-finding investigation is underway, but I have not received detailed reports."

There was also a question about whether he plans to enter politics after serving as Prosecutor General and retiring. Kim responded, "I have absolutely no intention of going into politics."

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