Ruling Party Leadership: "Yoon Seok-yeol's Resignation is Irresponsible... No Impact on Prosecution Reform"

by Jeon Jinyoung

Published 04 Mar.2021 15:30(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] As Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol tendered his resignation on the 4th, the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea viewed Yoon's resignation as essentially a political move toward becoming a presidential candidate. The Democratic Party leadership criticized this as "irresponsible" but stated that it would not affect the ongoing prosecution reform efforts.

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is expressing his intention to resign from the position of Prosecutor General as he arrives at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 4th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Chief Spokesperson Choi In-ho criticized on Facebook that afternoon, saying, "Resigning from the position of Prosecutor General over issues currently being discussed in the National Assembly is an extremely irresponsible act." Choi added, "Yoon had declared his loyalty to the prosecution organization himself, but ultimately made the prosecution organization suffer with an unexpected resignation," and pointed out, "I believe Yoon's sincerity was not with the prosecution but with his political moves."

Senior members of the party continued sharp criticism. Senior Member Noh Woong-rae wrote on Facebook, "He refused even suspension from duty and threatened legal action, but now suddenly resigning is the result of thorough political calculation," and said, "The sudden announcement of resignation right after the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate was decided raises suspicion that this is an opposition party-planned resignation to sway the April by-election in their favor."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Senior Member Yang Hyang-ja also said in a phone interview, "The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gonggiwon) is not fully established yet. If there are flaws in the system, efforts should be made to find improvements," and criticized, "Resigning before the system is even settled only confirms that they themselves are the target of reform." Regarding concerns that Yoon's resignation might affect the April 7 by-election, Yang emphasized, "We will devote all our efforts, so such a thing will not happen."

The leadership made it clear that they intend to complete prosecution reform regardless of Yoon's resignation. After the Innovation Committee meeting, Senior Member Kim Jong-min told reporters, "Who the Prosecutor General is or whether they resign cannot influence the legislative process. Legislation is the role of the National Assembly," and said he does not see Yoon's status as a major variable in legislation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Senior Member Shin Dong-geun, who is part of the party's Special Committee on Prosecution Reform, said in a phone interview, "The final prosecution reform plan has not yet been released or proposed," and added, "It can only be understood as an attempt to shake things up ahead of the by-election." Shin emphasized, "Prosecution reform is not for any specific person like Yoon. While the timing of the proposal may be adjusted due to internal opinions and various procedures, the reform will continue."