[Q&A] Yoon Seok-yeol Opens Up on 'X-Files': "I Will Undergo Unlimited Verification of Ability and Morality"

"If It's Baseless Defamation, Let the People Decide"
Avoids Direct Answer on Joining the People Power Party

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is leaving the Maehun Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after holding a press conference for his presidential election candidacy on the morning of the 29th. 2021.6.29 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol responded on the 29th to questions about the so-called 'Yoon Seok-yeol X-file,' stating, "Anyone running for an elected public office should undergo unlimited scrutiny regarding their ability and morality," but added, "Such scrutiny should be based on reasonable grounds. If this is an unfounded, one-sided slander with unknown sources, the public will judge accordingly."

On the same day, former Prosecutor General Yoon held a press conference at the Maeheon Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, followed by a Q&A session with reporters. Regarding concerns about the political neutrality of the prosecution, Yoon said, "Although it is not customary, in special cases, I think it is a matter for the public to expect and judge." However, he avoided direct answers to questions related to Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, focusing more on past connections rather than policies, and also refrained from commenting on whether he would join the People Power Party or on the pardons of two former presidents.

The following is a Q&A between former Prosecutor General Yoon and reporters on site.

- Regarding the so-called 'Yoon Seok-yeol X-file,' the political circles have said they will not respond, but some opinions suggest that former Prosecutor General Yoon should confront it head-on. What is your stance? Have you seen the document?

▲ I have not seen the document, but I hold the position that anyone running for public office, especially elected office, should undergo unlimited scrutiny regarding their ability and morality. However, I believe such scrutiny should be based on reasonable grounds and fairness. If this involves spreading baseless, one-sided slander with unknown sources in the market, I think the public will judge accordingly. If there are reasonable grounds related to my ability to perform state affairs or my morality, and they are presented to me, I am willing to explain in detail so the public need not be curious.

- During your preparation, there was a statement that your mother-in-law never caused even a 10-won loss to anyone. Considering ongoing investigations and trials, do you think this is inappropriate for a former Prosecutor General and a leading presidential candidate?

▲ I have never made such a statement, so I am not sure how it came out. But during my time as a prosecutor and afterward, I have lived with the conviction that there should be no exceptions in legal matters. I believe that investigations and trials should have no exceptions, regardless of whether the person is a relative or holds a position. Although I emphasized this a lot during my time as Prosecutor General, law enforcement must be conducted fairly so that the public can accept it. Fair procedures must be guaranteed, and no one should be exempt from law enforcement under fair procedures.

- Your strong rival, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, will soon declare his candidacy. Both of you emphasize fairness, but Lee focuses on basic income. What key issue will you present?

▲ I think fairness has two main aspects. One is fairness in specific fields or markets, where competition follows fair rules and rewards are given accordingly. The other is fairness of opportunity throughout the entire life cycle of each citizen. Currently, the younger generation feels a lot of unfairness in employment and college admissions, so they prioritize fair competition in specific fields. However, from the perspective of running the country, I believe that guaranteeing equal opportunities for citizens to develop throughout their life cycle should be achieved on a larger scale.

- Could you share your evaluation of Governor Lee and why his approval rating is high even in Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK), the support base of former President Park Geun-hye?

▲ I think it is inappropriate for me to evaluate the thoughts of other presidential candidates or the public who support me. But since you asked, there are various policies, and I met Governor Lee often in court about 24 years ago when I worked at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch. I remember he worked very hard and was a good litigator. Regarding individual policies, I expect opportunities to discuss them in the future rather than today.

As for the residents of Daegu-Gyeongbuk supporting me, I think it is less about regional political ties and more about their desire to restore the rule of law and common sense, which have collapsed. Also, in 2013, due to the National Intelligence Service incident, I was transferred to Daegu in early 2014. I thought the locals would not like me, but unexpectedly many encouraged and supported me. I think this is a continuation of that. The residents prioritize law enforcement that does not violate laws and procedures over political emotions or interests. I find it difficult to say more and am sharing my personal feelings.

- You have taken your first step as a politician. Are you considering joining the People Power Party? Why the People Power Party, and which values of the party align with you as a politician?

▲ As I mentioned earlier in my message to the public, I highly value freedom. Looking back at world history, cities where freedom was guaranteed prospered and were strong. However, freedom is not only about my own freedom but also about the freedom of other citizens in the community. Such solidarity and responsibility are the constitutional spirit of human dignity and value, which manifests as welfare in public policy. The People Power Party has experienced impeachment and has many shortcomings in the public's view, but fundamentally, freedom and democracy exist to guarantee freedom. Even state authority must guarantee individual freedom, and I do not agree with the philosophy that majority rule means everything. Politically, I share views with the People Power Party. Even those who do not support the party, regardless of conservative, progressive, or centrist labels?which I prefer not to use?agree that the country should be run with intelligence and common sense. Within that, there are progressives and conservatives. I have already explained my future political path before this, so I will leave it at that.

- Regarding joining the People Power Party, could you be more specific about your intention to participate in the presidential primary? If so, when? Do you plan to join late like the 'taxi theory'? Also, there is former Auditor General Choi Jae-hyung who resigned with similar concerns. Is there a possibility of alliance?

▲ I am sorry, but I find it difficult to answer that question here and now.

- You resigned as Prosecutor General and within a few months became a presidential candidate. How do you view the controversy over the political neutrality of the prosecution?

▲ Some say I did it deliberately to enter politics, but I only followed procedures. I myself thought it better to refrain from long-term investigations into certain values and people as in the past, and during my tenure as Prosecutor General, I tried to minimize such claims. Most cases you know were handled in a way that meets public expectations of the prosecution, and we acted according to principles and common sense.

- You have not participated in politics until now because you believed it would undermine the independence of the prosecution. What about that?

▲ In nearby Japan, many judicial and police officials do not run for elected office. Political neutrality of the prosecution is meaningful not only in itself but also because, as I said in my inaugural speech, state authority comes from the people, and the prosecution must serve the people. The custom that former Prosecutor Generals do not run for elected office has meaning. However, I do not think it is an absolute principle. I explained earlier that my political participation is driven by the public's desire to restore the rule of law and common sense, and I believe I must devote myself to this. So, whether judicial and prosecutorial officials should run for elected office is generally not customary, but in special cases, I think it is a matter for the public to expect and judge.

- Why do you think Yoon Seok-yeol should take on this role? Why must the collapsing rule of law and common sense be restored? Is there a trigger?

▲ I think I answered questions about political participation earlier. The pardon issue is not about law and its application but a political decision based on public sentiment. Regarding the pardon of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, it is currently not a pardon discussion but rather parole since a significant portion of the sentence has been served, and I think it is proceeding according to procedures. Regarding the pardons of the two former presidents, I have nothing clear to say; it is a matter for the incumbent president. However, many feel sorry for the long-term detention of the two elderly female former presidents, and I also somewhat empathize with the public's feelings.

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is coming out of the Maeheon Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 29th to greet supporters ahead of the press conference announcing his presidential candidacy. 2021.6.29 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers [Image source=Yonhap News]

- One of the problems of the current government is the skyrocketing housing prices. Recently, the ruling party proposed a real estate policy easing comprehensive real estate tax for the top 2%.

▲ Housing policy must have clear goals. Among the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter, food is most important individually, but socially and economically, housing is the most important. Price stability is necessary, but simply lowering prices is difficult. The market should be predictable, stable, and prices should rise and fall gradually for society to function smoothly. Whether to raise or not raise the comprehensive real estate tax is not very meaningful. The tax should be thoroughly reviewed. The public's negative opinion is not because they think the richest people should worry. That is not the point. What is most important is that the public can predict housing prices and easily select the type of housing they need when necessary.

- What is your economic policy stance? Do you emphasize welfare or growth? What is your policy catchphrase?

▲ I think welfare and growth are both important, but I distance myself from the idea that growth must come first to enable welfare. I want to emphasize sustainability. Growth is not about explosive growth at one time. For sustainable growth, growth alone is insufficient. We must care for those left behind or vulnerable for them to participate in sustainable growth. The state must solve problems of labor, family, and close ones to contribute to sustainable growth. Welfare requires sustainable financial resources to be properly implemented. Therefore, welfare and growth cannot be prioritized over each other. Sustainable growth requires welfare, and sustainable welfare requires growth.

- Was there resistance to prosecutorial reform? How would you rate the Moon Jae-in administration?

▲ I will leave the rating of the current government to you. I have never opposed prosecutorial reform. In 2019, when the reform bill sponsored by Democratic Party lawmaker Baek Hye-ryun was fast-tracked, some prosecutors opposed it, but I saw it as inevitable and supported the bill. Prosecutorial reform must have a vision and goals. As Prosecutor General, I always emphasized to the prosecution members that the vision of reform is to create a prosecution that serves the people and is fair. A prosecution that serves the people means prosecutors should see the public as their clients, not the appointing authority or power holders, and investigate thoroughly without fearing any power. Fair prosecution also comes from serving the people, ensuring fair opportunities to socially weak citizens during investigation and trial, and fair play. This is the vision and philosophy of prosecutorial reform. When the government made the bill, it appealed to the public with this philosophy. It should not be used to shield social, economic, or political powers. It must guarantee fair opportunities in law enforcement while properly addressing the misconduct of power. I think most people agree, even if I speak somewhat technically.

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