[Summary] Ruling Party: "Did he intend to do politics?", Opposition: "We will watch"... Political circles stir over Yoon's remarks on his position

Yoon Seok-yeol Prosecutor General Responds to Inquiry on Position at National Audit: "Considering Ways to Serve After Retirement"
On Question of Entering Politics: "Difficult to Comment"
Subtle Political Ripple: Ruling Party "Intends to Enter Politics" vs Opposition "Room for Misunderstanding"
Hong Joon-pyo Urges "Resign and Enter Politics Confidently"

Yoon Seok-yeol, Prosecutor General / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who appeared at the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee’s audit of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, responded to a question about his post-retirement plans by saying he would "think about ways to serve society and the people." This has sparked a heated debate in political circles. The ruling party attacked Prosecutor General Yoon, suggesting that he is already considering entering politics. Meanwhile, the opposition stated that "the Prosecutor General should keep a distance from politics," but urged Yoon to resign and enter politics if he wishes to do so.

At the end of the audit session that extended into the early hours of the 23rd, Yoon was asked by Kim Do-eup, a member of the People Power Party, "Do you plan to enter politics after your term ends?" Yoon replied, "I will slowly think about how to serve society and the people after retirement."

When Kim asked, "Does serving include politics?" Yoon hesitated briefly before answering, "It is difficult to say right now." Although he avoided a direct answer regarding his political ambitions, he did not completely deny the possibility.

Yoon’s response has caused subtle ripples in the political arena.

The Democratic Party of Korea launched a fierce attack on Yoon, implying that "politics was ultimately his goal."

Lee Nak-yeon, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, said at a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "This ironically reveals how difficult prosecutorial reform is and how public officials should conduct themselves," adding, "It proves the legitimacy and urgency of establishing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO)."

On the same day, Shin Dong-geun, a member of the same party, said in a radio interview, "He (Yoon) is thinking about politics. His remarks seem to be aimed at politics, at the level of a politician," but added, "Looking at former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn as well, the public does not favor those from power institutions. (If Yoon enters politics,) I think it will not go well."

Joo Ho-young, Floor Leader of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the opposition took a cautious stance, saying that "it was wrong for the Prosecutor General, who should keep a distance from politics, to make remarks that could be misunderstood."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said in a CBS radio interview, "Many interpret his statement about thinking of serving the people after retirement as a political intention, which I regret," adding, "The Prosecutor General should build a wall between himself and politics, so leaving room for even a slight misunderstanding was a mistake."

He continued, "Including Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol or Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung in presidential preference polls for elected positions is also wrong," and added, "We will watch carefully."

Voices urging Yoon to resign and then enter politics also emerged.

Kim Byung-wook, a member of the People Power Party, wrote on his Facebook page targeting Yoon, "There is no free ride to the presidency anywhere in the world," emphasizing, "If you are truly disappointed with the Moon Jae-in administration and desire regime change more than anyone else, come immediately to the main opposition party, the People Power Party."

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo said, "If Yoon thought Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae’s repeated exercise of investigative authority was unjust, he should have boldly refused," criticizing, "Accepting the minister’s exercise of investigative authority twice, which goes against common sense, and continuing as Prosecutor General because the president still trusts him is self-contradictory."

He added, "Both should step down. Minister Chu should retire from politics now, and Yoon should resign and boldly enter the political arena," concluding, "That is the proper attitude of a public official. We will serve you well."