So Joo-jin: "Chu Mi-ae now blames Yoon Seok-yeol for COVID-19... Simply a comedy"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is responding to questions at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Jo Soo-jin, a member of the Future United Party, sarcastically criticized Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae, who continues to criticize Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, "She even blames Yoon Seok-yeol for the prolonged COVID-19 situation."

On the 30th, Jo posted on her Facebook, "Yoon Seok-yeol is the Prosecutor General, not the President or the Minister of Health and Welfare. Minister Chu Mi-ae, you really do everything these days," she said.

Jo also continued her criticism regarding Minister Chu's remark the previous day about the investigation into former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, calling it "excessive investigation."

She said, "Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae finally summoned the lawbreaker Mr. Cho Kuk. I was wondering when she would bring up Mr. Cho Kuk," adding, "It is the first time that the Minister of Justice, who oversees legal administration, directly comments on an ongoing trial. In short, it's a comedy," she condemned.

She further stated, "'Human rights investigation' does not mean prioritizing the 'human rights of lawbreakers.' Soon, the prosecution's investigation into Ms. Yoon Mee-hyang might also be claimed as a 'human rights violation,'" and pointed out, "I've heard that during the Joseon Dynasty, the people blamed the king for rampant epidemics, but I've never heard of blaming the head of the Saheonbu, the Chief Inspector."

Earlier, Minister Chu criticized Prosecutor General Yoon during the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting on the 29th.

Minister Chu said, "If the Shincheonji Church had been searched in time, we could have secured the list of church members who entered through the closed-circuit television (CCTV) at that time, but missing the golden time for the search resulted in failing to secure valuable data," and pointed out, "Ultimately, there was a failure to conduct timely quarantine."

Regarding the case of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, she said, "It cannot be denied that there was excessive and unreasonable investigation."

Minister Chu added, "Since this case is currently under investigation, it is difficult to comment," but stated, "We are targeting such prosecution investigations for reform, and I am operating a human rights investigation reform task force (TF)."