[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Se-hee] On the 1st, Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae responded to the amplified controversy over the exercise of investigative command authority surrounding Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol by saying, "Sometimes I feel powerless."
Minister Chu appeared at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee that day, and when Park Beom-gye, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "Do you think the investigative command authority is not functioning properly?" she replied, "I find it very regrettable."
Earlier, Minister Chu had instructed the Inspection Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to investigate the perjury coaching complaint related to the Han Myeong-sook case, but Prosecutor General Yoon directed the Human Rights Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to oversee it, sparking a controversy over insubordination. In response, Minister Chu targeted Prosecutor General Yoon, saying, "He cut off half of my instructions."
When Representative Park pointed out regarding the so-called collusion between prosecutors and media allegations and the internal conflict within the prosecution, "This is neither a competition to show who is stronger nor a contest to boast voices," Minister Chu expressed agreement, saying, "It is quite serious."
Regarding the criticism that the convening of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Expert Investigation Advisory Panel bypassed the head of the Criminal Division, causing a 'passing controversy,' Minister Chu said, "I think it is serious," and added, "We are currently confirming the circumstances."
Furthermore, when Representative Park asked, "Do you think the situation has reached a point where President Moon Jae-in, the supreme commander, needs to intervene?" she emphasized, "The investigation is currently underway, and once it is completed swiftly, I will take responsibility and supervise the command and oversight."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
