Senior Researcher Yang Seok-jo recently protested to Prosecutor Shim Jae-cheol, head of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division, at the funeral hall for the father-in-law of the head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Former Liberty Korea Party lawmaker Kim Yong-nam said that Deputy Chief of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Shim Jae-cheol was "deserving of it" in relation to his claim that former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk should be handled without prosecution.
On the 20th, Kim appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Any sensible legal professional would consider it fortunate that Deputy Chief Shim Jae-cheol was not reprimanded after instructing to create a report with the intent of no charges regarding the concealment of crimes involving Cho Kuk and Yoo Jae-soo," expressing his opinion.
On the 18th, at the funeral parlor for the father-in-law of a chief prosecutor at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, set up at Samsung Seoul Hospital in Irwon-dong, Seoul, Senior Researcher Yang Seok-jo reportedly loudly protested to his direct superior, Deputy Chief Shim Jae-cheol of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division, saying, "Why is former Minister Cho not charged?" and "Are you even a prosecutor?"
Deputy Chief Shim reportedly listened without much response and then left the place.
In response, Hyun Geun-taek, Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party's Legal Committee, said, "Saying it's fortunate that he wasn't hit at a funeral is a very dangerous remark," adding, "There may be disagreements within the Prosecutor's Office, but making such loud statements in a public setting with legal reporters present seems like it was meant to be heard."
He added, "I consider it insubordination," and said, "The purpose of coming to a funeral is not to discuss prosecution or non-prosecution, but to pay respects. They are not strangers and usually hold meetings, so causing a loud commotion in a private setting was likely intended to prevent personnel changes ahead of upcoming prosecutor appointments."
Former lawmaker Kim also revealed a behind-the-scenes story related to Deputy Chief Shim. He said, "Before going to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, when Shim was the head of the Violent Crime Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, lawyer Choi Yoo-jung, who received a large amount of legal fees in the so-called 'Jung Un-ho Gate' case, applied for bail and asked Shim for help," explaining, "Usually, in such cases, one would issue an opposing opinion saying 'it is inappropriate,' but Shim sent an opinion of 'discretionary handling,' meaning 'handle it as you see fit.' As far as I know, Shim was investigated by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Inspection Department at that time, and although no bribery or similar misconduct was revealed, he was demoted to a provincial post."
He continued, "Shim, who had been demoted, suddenly came to a key position as head of the Ministry of Justice's Policy Planning Division when the Moon Jae-in administration began, and then rose steadily to become the head of the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division, one of the 'Big Four' major posts in the prosecution," adding, "Shim is undoubtedly a person of this administration. How could a no-charge decision for former Minister Cho be possible?"
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