Daegum Decides Not to Convene 'Geomeon Yuchak' Advisory Panel Tomorrow, "Collecting Opinions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Supreme Prosecutors' Office has decided not to hold the 'Prosecutor-Media Collusion' special investigation advisory panel meeting originally scheduled for the 3rd.

On the 2nd, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced to reporters, "The special investigation advisory panel will not be convened tomorrow." However, it added, "Various opinions are being gathered." This means it has not yet been decided whether to postpone or cancel the advisory panel meeting. It is known that the Supreme Prosecutors' Office has not completely withdrawn its stance on convening the advisory panel.

The decision on whether to hold the special investigation advisory panel meeting has drawn attention as Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae exercised her command authority over the 'Prosecutor-Media Collusion' investigation on the same day.

On that morning, Minister Choo issued a written order to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to halt the convening process of the advisory panel assessing the appropriateness of the 'Prosecutor-Media Collusion' investigation and to guarantee the independence of the investigation.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office has not made any particular statement regarding Minister Choo's directive to ensure the independence of the investigation. Including the guarantee of investigative independence, Prosecutor General Yoon's response to Minister Choo's investigative command is expected to be released no earlier than the 3rd.

Meanwhile, former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae is under investigation by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on suspicion of threatening former Value Invest Korea (VIK) CEO Lee Cheol to report corruption involving Han Dong-hoon, the chief prosecutor, while investigating the ShillaJen allegations.

Prosecutor General Yoon had decided to convene the special investigation advisory panel to seek opinions on this investigation.