[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae left a 'final ultimatum' message to Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, requesting his stance on the investigation directive by 10 a.m. on the 9th.
On the 8th, through an official statement delivered by the Ministry of Justice, Minister Choo emphasized, "Public and private cannot go together. Right and wrong cannot go together," adding, "A week has already passed. I have also taken time to fully listen to and understand the loyalty and difficulties of the members of the prosecution organization. No one would consider the current chaotic situation of criminal justice as normal."
She continued, "The public is very frustrated. We all must do our best in our given duties while looking toward the future of the Republic of Korea," and stated, "We must not turn back to the wrong path any longer. I will wait one more day until 10 a.m. on the 9th. I await the wise judgment of the Prosecutor General."
Minister Choo had previously, on the 2nd, ordered in writing to suspend the procedure of the Special Investigation Advisory Panel on the prosecution-media collusion investigation and directed the independent investigation team not to be under the supervision of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.
In response, Prosecutor General Yoon decided not to proceed with the Special Investigation Advisory Panel scheduled for the 3rd and held meetings with chief prosecutors nationwide to gather opinions. The opinions of the chief prosecutors were compiled and reported to Prosecutor General Yoon on the 6th.
It is known that Prosecutor General Yoon is deliberating his final stance. It is reported that he may organize and announce his position as early as soon.
Meanwhile, Minister Choo also posted a message and photo on her social media (SNS) Facebook page earlier that morning, conveying a similar sentiment to the official statement.
Minister Choo wrote, "It is a quiet morning at the mountain temple. I try to cut off my worries with the birch rosary given by a monk and embrace the morning energy," adding, "No matter how many countless worries I repeat, my thoughts only reach the fact that I do not turn away from the right path." In the accompanying photo, Minister Choo is seen standing at a distance, gazing at a temple.
It is known that Minister Choo took a day off the previous day and is resting at an undisclosed location.
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