Park Beom-gye "Respecting Jeong Jin-ung's 1st Trial Verdict... Will Review What Necessary Measures Are Needed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, said regarding Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong Jin-ung of the Ulsan District Prosecutors' Office, who was indicted on charges of 'abuse of authority by Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon' and received a guilty verdict in the first trial, "We will respect the first trial verdict and review what necessary measures should be taken."

Minister Park made these remarks to reporters asking about future measures for Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong as he arrived at the Ministry of Justice Government Gwacheon Complex on the 13th.

However, he added, "We will keep all options open and review whether to take any measures and what level of action would be appropriate."

He continued, "It appears to be a verdict reflecting the investigation results of the case called 'media-prosecution collusion,' but the investigation regarding Prosecutor Han has not yet concluded, and forensic issues remain. I think we need to comprehensively review the progress of the investigation, the circumstances before and after, and the comparison of legal interests before taking action."

Regarding external criticism suggesting that Prosecutor Han should be cleared of charges, Minister Park said, "Although I am not the one conducting the investigation, I find it difficult to agree with the idea of ending the investigation at this point."

Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong was indicted in October last year but continues to perform prosecutorial duties. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office requested the Ministry of Justice last November to suspend Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong's duties, but then Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae did not accept this and ordered the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Inspection Department to investigate whether the indictment process was appropriate.

Meanwhile, regarding some reports that the Ministry of Justice submitted materials indicating a low possibility of recidivism by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong to the parole review committee, Minister Park only responded, "The risk and possibility of recidivism are basic review requirements."

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