Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo is questioning at the confirmation hearing for Defense Minister nominee Seo Wook held at the National Assembly on the 16th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Amid the prosecution's decision to not indict Seo Mo, the son of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, and other related parties after investigating allegations of Seo's 'failure to return from military leave,' independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo criticized, saying, "The Ministry of National Defense (Gukbangbu) has long become the Ministry of Autumn Defense (Chubangbu), and the Ministry of Justice (Beobmubu) has gone beyond the Ministry of Autumn Affairs (Chumu-bu) to the Ministry of Lawlessness (Mubeobbu), and now the Ministry of Explanation (Haemyeongbu)."
On the 28th, Hong posted on his Facebook page pointing this out and repeatedly condemned, "The National Intelligence Service has reverted to being an operative agency as in the old days." His criticism of the NIS as an operative agency is interpreted as a claim that it failed to properly respond to the incident where a South Korean official was shot by North Korean soldiers.
Hong further criticized, "We have become a ridiculous country where no one even looks when people are shot and burned by the North," adding, "The state of the nation has reached this condition in just four years." He added, "Our sin is great in creating a country that cannot stop such lawlessness and atrocities."
Meanwhile, earlier, the prosecution decided not to indict Minister Choo, Seo, and the minister's former aide regarding allegations of preferential treatment in Seo's military service.
In a press release that day, the prosecution stated that it was difficult to see any deception or external pressure in the process of applying for and using sick leave and other leaves, and that failure to return to the unit was due to approved leave, making it difficult to recognize the intent of desertion.
Regarding the shooting of a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official by North Korean soldiers, President Moon Jae-in emphasized in his remarks at the Blue House senior secretaries and aides meeting on the 28th, "No matter how divided the situation is, this is something that should never happen." He added, "It is urgently necessary for both North and South to ascertain the facts and prepare practical measures to prevent recurrence."
About this incident, he said, "It is very regrettable and unfortunate," and expressed "deep condolences and sympathy for the grief and sorrow of the bereaved families, regardless of the circumstances that led the victim to the North Korean waters."
He continued, "I fully understand the shock and anger felt by the people," and said, "Regardless of the reasons, as a government responsible for protecting the lives and safety of the people, I feel deeply sorry."
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