Lee Jae-jung "Is Yoon Seok-yeol Rightfully in That Position?"

Lee Jae-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, declared his candidacy for the Supreme Council member at a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 17th of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jae-jung, a lawyer-turned-lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, demanded the immediate resignation of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol on the 7th, calling him a "prosecutor-first advocate."

On the same day, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "I have always believed that Prosecutor General Yoon should not have been in that position."

He continued, "We need to fundamentally consider why Yoon has stayed until now, becoming a symbol that hinders prosecutorial reform," adding, "Yoon himself should reflect on what he has been blocking during the year he has endured."

He said, "I had hoped that Yoon would be a 'prosecutorialist' who clearly understands his status and responsibilities, but from what I have observed, he is simply a 'prosecutor-first advocate.' I believe he has completely disregarded the status of the prosecution within our constitutional system."

Lee also criticized, "Is it appropriate for Yoon to remain in that position for the sake of the prosecution organization he cares about? The prosecution's honor has lost so much public trust that it is almost embarrassing to even call it 'honor.'"

He pointed out to Yoon, "If you reflect on whether you are fulfilling your role in this situation, you should have no face to remain in that position even for a day," adding, "It would be embarrassing. I hope he reflects on himself."

When the host mentioned, "There is also an opinion that Yoon has investigated the living powers regardless of which side they are on," Lee responded, "Yoon himself is becoming part of the living power, and there is growing public suspicion that various cases involving his close aides and family members are being investigated in a questionable manner," adding, "It is becoming difficult to defend Prosecutor General Yoon solely based on a few investigations into the living power."