Hong Ik-pyo: "Yoon Seok-yeol Leading Opposition Presidential Race? Opposition's Mysterious First Defeat"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] During the National Assembly inspection of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol stated, "I will serve the people after retirement," sparking discussions of the 'Yoon Seok-yeol presidential prospect' in political circles. On the 29th, Hong Ik-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "The opposition party (People Power Party) should not draw Prosecutor General Yoon into politics."

On the same day, in an interview with KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs,' Representative Hong said, "It is not appropriate to deeply involve the Prosecutor General in politics."

Representative Hong argued, "There are talks that the ruling party is worried about Prosecutor General Yoon's high approval ratings, but in my view, the opposition party is the one who has suffered a setback. Making him the opposition party's (presidential) candidate is a matter for later. Our party has two main candidates, and their support is not declining; rather, the People Power Party's support is very low."

On the same day, Yoon Young-seok, a member of the People Power Party, said, "It seems clear that (Prosecutor General Yoon) has the intention to enter politics. However, when he was the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, he strongly investigated former government officials, labeling them as deep-rooted evils. I think these will be challenges when he enters politics."

Regarding Representative Hong's criticism that "Prosecutor General Yoon's behavior is inappropriate," Representative Yoon countered, "I think Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is also showing quite political behavior. Isn't there talk that she might run for Seoul mayor or presidential candidate later?"

He added, "Even if Prosecutor General Yoon wants to enter politics, maintaining his posture as a public official and Prosecutor General until the end would be more effective later."

Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Yoon avoided a direct answer when asked about his intention to enter politics during the National Assembly inspection on the 22nd, stating, "I will serve the people."