Yoon Seok-yeol Prosecutor General's National Assembly Audit Remarks: "After the General Election, the President Told Me via Messenger to Fulfill My Duties"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "Regarding the issue of my position, there has been no word from the appointing authority..." On the 22nd, Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol made a noteworthy remark about President Moon Jae-in's trust during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's National Assembly Inspection of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. When Democratic Party lawmakers launched a 'carpet bombing' of criticism, effectively pressuring him to resign, Yoon countered by mentioning President Moon.
In particular, Yoon stated, "Even when calls for my resignation came from the Democratic Party after the last general election, (the President) conveyed through an appropriate messenger to not be shaken and to fulfill my duties while serving my term." This was right after the 21st general election, a time when the 'Yoon Seok-yeol rejection theory' was intensifying within the ruling party. There was a prevailing opinion that it was time for him to step down from the prosecutor general position and decide on his future.
During the Legislation and Judiciary Committee inspection, broadcast live on TV, Yoon publicly revealed that President Moon trusted him. Regardless of Yoon's intentions, this moment can be interpreted as an act carrying 'political implications.'
There is speculation that the messenger Yoon referred to is a key figure within the Blue House, but there is also a view that it could be one of the ruling party figures in a broader sense. If the person has the political stature to be perceived as representing President Moon's will and is also friendly with Yoon, it is difficult to definitively categorize them as a Blue House official.
In this regard, the Blue House is being tight-lipped, but its internal feelings are complex. A Blue House official said, "We do not know who the messenger Yoon mentioned is," and refrained from further comment. The Blue House plans not to separately investigate who the so-called messenger is or the authenticity of the statement. The very spread of the impact of Yoon's remarks is a burden for the Blue House.
Yoon's mention of President Moon's trust could have the effect of narrowing the Blue House's options. As a result, it is not easy for President Moon to discard the Yoon card. Yoon said, "A term of office is a promise made to the people at the time of inauguration, so no matter what pressure there is, I intend to fulfill my duties."
Given that Yoon has publicly stated he has no intention to resign, if he were to step down, the political burden could fall on the Blue House. If it is interpreted as a dismissal rather than a voluntary resignation, Yoon would gain political momentum, and the Blue House could face backlash.
There is also analysis that President Moon's original intention was for Yoon to complete his fixed term properly. Besides Yoon's remarks at this inspection, President Moon has supported him through direct and indirect expressions whenever opportunities arose.
However, the ruling party's growing criticism of Yoon's attitude during the inspection and unresolved allegations of corruption involving his family and close associates could influence the Blue House's judgment. Whether the controversy surrounding Yoon's position will subside or lead to a crisis depends on the political climate.
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