Choo Mi-ae Orders Suspension of 'Prosecutor-Media Collusion' Special Investigation Advisory Panel Procedures and Exclusion of Supreme Prosecutors' Office Supervision

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] On the 2nd, Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae ordered the suspension of the review process by the expert investigation advisory panel convened by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol in relation to the 'prosecutor-media collusion' case. She also directed the independent investigation by the investigative team that is not under the supervision of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.

The Ministry of Justice stated, "Minister Chu directed Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol today regarding the 'Channel A related attempted coercion case investigation.'

This action came just one day after Minister Chu said during an emergency inquiry at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, "I have observed (Prosecutor General Yoon) so far, but if it becomes difficult to continue observing, I will make a decisive move."

Through an official investigation directive letter titled 'Channel A related attempted coercion case investigation' sent to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office with Prosecutor General Yoon as the recipient, Minister Chu stated, "In accordance with Article 8 of the Prosecutors' Office Act, I hereby direct as follows," and added, "Since the investigation is ongoing, hastily reaching a final conclusion through the review of the 'expert investigation advisory panel,' which has raised controversy, may hinder the fact-finding process; therefore, I direct the suspension of the ongoing 'expert investigation advisory panel' review process."

She continued, "As this case involves allegations of criminal conduct by a sitting chief prosecutor, which has attracted significant public attention, to ensure a fair and strict investigation, I direct that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigative team conduct the investigation independently without supervision or direction from higher authorities such as the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and report only the investigation results to the Prosecutor General."

With the advisory panel, which was expected to reach a conclusion favorable to the two main parties of the 'prosecutor-media collusion' case?former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae and Chief Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon?likely to be dissolved, attention is expected to focus on what opinions will be decided at the 'Prosecutorial Investigation Deliberation Committee' meeting scheduled for the 10th.