Kim Jin-tae: "Prosecutors, Never Resign First... A Better World Is Coming Soon"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] Amid the growing collective backlash from prosecutors against Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, former Future United Party (now People Power Party) lawmaker and former prosecutor Kim Jin-tae praised the prosecutors, saying, "The junior prosecutors are admirable. That is true prosecutorial reform."

On the 31st, Kim posted on his Facebook, "Prosecutors are coming out (disclosing their identity) because they can no longer tolerate Choo Mi-ae's arbitrary exercise of prosecutorial command, personnel authority, and inspection rights. In response, Choo Mi-ae declared that only reform is the answer," he said.

Regarding Minister Choo's claim of prosecutorial reform, he criticized, "Originally, prosecutorial reform meant independence from power. It meant telling someone like Choo Mi-ae what to do. But for someone like Choo Mi-ae to come out with prosecutorial reform is a comedy," adding, "It's like a thief proposing prosecutorial reform."

He continued, "Power has never so blatantly tried to tame the prosecution like this. At this point, any prosecutor with pride would find it hard to endure."

He then raised his voice, saying, "Never be the first to quit. They are hoping for that. Hold on until the end. A better world is coming soon."

Earlier, on the 29th, Minister Choo targeted rank-and-file prosecutors on her Facebook, posting, "Good. If you come out like this, reform is the only answer."

Following this, dissatisfaction and criticism surged among prosecutors regarding Minister Choo's 'targeting' of rank-and-file prosecutors. Hundreds of comments agreeing with criticisms such as "As soon as you voice opinions opposing those in power, you are suppressed by the strongest authority" were posted.