"Thorough Investigation Needed Into Politically Motivated Prosecutorial Manipulation"
Launching the CIO Marks the Starting Point for Reforming the Prosecution's Reputation for Political Bias and Corruption
[Asia Economy, reporter Jeon Jin-young] On October 22, Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the second letter from prison by Kim Bong-hyun, former chairman of Star Mobility and a central figure in the Lime Asset Management scandal, stating, "If these revelations are true, it shows that certain prosecutors' investigations were politically orchestrated to target the ruling party."
At a strategy meeting for the National Assembly audit held that morning, Kim said, "We must thoroughly investigate and sternly punish the manipulative investigations conducted by certain political prosecutors."
He further asserted, "Targeted and fabricated investigations by some political prosecutors are not investigations, but political maneuvers." Kim explained, "Even though an opposition politician testified that he had lobbied to release former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Kang Ki-jung on bail in exchange for helping the prosecution, no investigation was ever conducted. Meanwhile, ruling party politicians have repeatedly stated they have no connection to the Lime Fund, but the case, which is over five years old, has been ongoing for six months."
He continued, "If Kim's revelations are true, they expose the unchecked and absolute power of a corrupt prosecution." He stressed, "Bribery, entertainment, warrant issuance and dismissal, lobbying, escape, and the encouragement and assistance of prosecution officials at the time-these are all actions that would shock the public." Kim added, "The prosecution established its own power and ruled above the people. We must thoroughly investigate and severely punish the corruption and self-serving actions of certain rogue prosecutors in the special investigation unit."
He also called for the launch of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) as a solution for prosecutorial reform. Kim stated, "Institutional reforms for stronger democratic oversight and checks on the unchecked prosecution must be pursued more vigorously. The launch of the CIO will be the starting point for reforming the prosecution's reputation for political bias and corruption."
Addressing the opposition People Power Party, he urged them to submit the list of CIO recommendation committee members by the deadline proposed by the Democratic Party. He said, "For genuine reform of power institutions, the Democratic Party will begin amending the law after October 26 and move to launch the CIO as soon as possible. The People Power Party must stop hesitating and submit the list of recommendation committee members by the 26th."
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