"The Prosecutor General Engaged in Politics Is a Bigger Problem... The Prosecutor Organization Should Be Prioritized"
On the morning of the 25th, wreaths supporting Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol were placed at the entrance of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Kim Nam-guk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the removal of wreaths placed in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, supporting Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, "Considering citizens' inconvenience and safety, the wreaths in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office are very inappropriate."
On the 28th, Kim posted on his Facebook under the title "Remove the wreaths in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office immediately and uphold the obligation of political neutrality," stating, "I received a report from a citizen saying, 'While passing by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-dong, I almost slipped after stepping on fallen leaves from the wreaths.'
Kim said, "It is not just an inconvenience to pedestrians, but there is a risk of accidents from slipping on the fallen leaves," adding, "I protested to the security office of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and three staff members came out and explained that there was no problem because they had permission from the district office. But citizens' safety should come first."
He continued, "The wreaths in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office are not only a problem for citizens' safety and inconvenience. The Prosecutor General has an obligation to maintain strict political neutrality more than anyone else," criticizing, "The Prosecutor General, who should uphold political neutrality, appears to flaunt 'political power' with wreaths as if defying the lawful orders of the Minister of Justice, which makes the public see the Prosecutor General as engaging in personal politics."
He added, "A politicizing Prosecutor General is an even bigger problem. Some political prosecutors and a politicizing Prosecutor General make the worst combination," arguing, "Due to the Prosecutor General's political actions, criticisms such as 'Isn't the investigation politically motivated to become president?' and 'Using investigations for politics' follow. The public cannot help but doubt the fairness of the investigations."
Kim urged, "I hope the Prosecutor General reflects on what is proper as a public official and prioritizes the Republic of Korea and the prosecution organization over 'political interests,'" and requested, "Please remove the wreaths immediately."
Meanwhile, Seocho District Office has sent removal notices to the Liberty Solidarity and the Patriotic Patrol Team, who placed the wreaths. As of the afternoon of the 28th, it is reported that about 300 wreaths are placed on the sidewalk in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.
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