Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon is speaking at the discussion titled "Talking about the 21st General Election! Lost Conservative Politics, What is the Solution?" hosted by Future United Party lawmakers Yoo Ui-dong and Oh Shin-hwan at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of May 15. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon sharply criticized the political circle's reaction surrounding Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's future, saying, "It's already unsightly to see them hastily trying to throw checks and balances."
On the 25th, former professor Jin wrote on Facebook, "He never said he would enter politics in the future; he just mentioned looking for a way to serve society, but the ruling and opposition parties prematurely overinterpreted and turned everything upside down."
He continued, "What he does after retirement, shouldn't we just let him handle that himself? You should focus on living your own lives well," adding, "For now, just tell him to faithfully carry out his duties as Prosecutor General."
Furthermore, he said, "What he needs to do now is to protect the independence of the prosecution as Prosecutor General and shield the investigative prosecutors from unjust external pressure from power aimed at investigations into power corruption," adding, "That aligns with the universal interests of society, and civil society should only ask that of him."
Earlier, on the 22nd, Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol responded to a question about his intention to enter politics during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's National Assembly inspection of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, saying, "After retirement, I will slowly think about how to serve our society and the people."
Regarding being mentioned as a potential opposition presidential candidate, he stated, "Right now, I have no time to think about anything else other than fulfilling my duties," and when asked if he intended to enter politics, he said, "It is difficult for me to comment on that."
Following Prosecutor General Yoon's remarks, various interpretations emerged in the political sphere. Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, said, "The queen bee has appeared," and "A major change in the opposition political landscape has begun," expressing enthusiasm.
Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo also welcomed him, saying, "We will serve him well, so come to the political arena," and "He has remarkable political skills that can work even in Yeouido."
On the other hand, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk criticized, saying, "Sovereignty belongs to the people (min), not the prosecution (geom)," and "The sword must be wielded well. However, the authority and behavior of the sword wielder must be monitored and controlled."
Kim Du-kwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, also pointed out, "The Prosecutor General has long abandoned neutrality and has ultimately reduced the prosecution to a personal tool for his political ambitions."
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