[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 24th, the People Power Party stated regarding Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's order to suspend Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol from duty, "The Ministry of Justice has ultimately certified itself as a lawless institution," and added, "President Moon Jae-in should directly make a statement to end this tiresome conflict."
People Power Party spokesperson Bae Jun-young said in a verbal commentary that day, "Minister Choo failed to provide a reason that the public can accept."
Spokesperson Bae pointed out, "The reasons given for suspending the Prosecutor General include damage to dignity and trust, meeting with media personnel, responding to inappropriate inspections, and the announcement of poll results showing him as the top presidential candidate. Today's announcement seems like a certificate proving that the Ministry of Justice, which should be the most fair and objective place, is floundering in the sea of politics."
He said, "If this is implemented, investigations into the living power will stop, and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea will sound its death knell," and urged, "We will no longer ask the Ministry of Justice. The President, who has the authority to appoint the Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor General, should directly make a statement." He added, "If this tiresome fight is not ended, the legal order of the Republic of Korea cannot be restored."
The People Power Party also criticized the Blue House's statement that President Moon was briefed just before the announcement and did not say anything.
People Power Party lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun wrote on his Facebook that day, "Since the Prosecutor General is a position appointed and dismissed by the President, Minister Choo does not have the authority to unilaterally decide to suspend him," and sharply questioned, "Who would believe the Blue House's announcement as it is?"
He emphasized, "The President must clearly explain to the public what report he received from Minister Choo and on what grounds he approved Prosecutor General Yoon's suspension," and added, "This is an unprecedented matter in constitutional history, and it is a serious issue that the President, not the Minister of Justice, must come forward and explain directly to the people."
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