Shinpyung: "Choo Mi-ae Only Thinks About 'Overthrowing Yoon Seok-yeol'... President Moon Avoids Responsibility"

Possibility of Yoon's Entry into Politics "Expected It Long Ago"
"Ruling Party's Pressure on Prosecutor General Yoon to Resign Voluntarily Is Absurd"

Shin Pyeong, a lawyer who served as co-chairman of the Public Interest Whistleblower Support Committee at the Moon Jae-in Democratic Party candidate camp during the 19th presidential election. / Photo by Shin Pyeong Facebook capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Attorney Shin Pyeong strongly criticized Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's decision to suspend Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol from duty and request disciplinary action, calling it an "unprecedented and deplorable farce." Attorney Shin previously served as co-chair of the Public Interest Whistleblower Support Committee during the 19th presidential election campaign for Moon Jae-in, the Democratic Party candidate.

On the 25th, in a post titled "The Eye for People" on his Facebook, Attorney Shin stated, "Watching the unprecedented Choo Mi-ae farce unfolding before our eyes, it seems that not only the Constitution but also the legal provisions of the Prosecutors' Office Act, established to prevent unjust political pressure, are completely disregarded by her," adding, "Even the original positive assessment I had of her has disappeared."

He continued, "It seems that the only thing on her mind right now is 'toppling Yoon Seok-yeol,'" and argued, "Whether it is prosecutorial reform or anything else, those are just words on the surface. She is obsessed with the idea that Yoon Seok-yeol cannot be left as he is."

He further explained, "If Yoon Seok-yeol is not removed, it will be difficult for the progressive government to regain power," and "She appears to be buried in an obsession that she must eliminate him to protect my or our well-being."

He also criticized, "Some say that Minister Choo is employing a 'mad strategy,' but her arrogance seems to pierce the sky," and "Ultimately, she committed the outrageous act of suspending the Prosecutor General's execution of duties and requesting disciplinary action."

On the afternoon of the 24th, Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Justice, explained the reasons for requesting disciplinary action and suspension from duty regarding the inspection results of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol at the press room of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

Attorney Shin pointed out that ruling party lawmakers urging Prosecutor General Yoon to voluntarily resign are driven by "greed to hold and shake power forever and ever."

Regarding President Moon Jae-in, who has remained silent without much comment on this incident, he criticized, "He is loyal only to his own side, relying solely on his side and trying to secure safety through his side," adding, "The biggest characteristic of this nature is his avoidance of responsibility."

On the possibility of Prosecutor General Yoon entering politics, he predicted, "Unexpectedly, this is leading to national support for Prosecutor General Yoon," and "I have long said that Yoon would enter politics."

He added, "In a democratic system, no one can criticize someone who steps forward to use their abilities for the benefit of the entire nation through politics," and "Currently, the ruling party is collectively urging Yoon's voluntary resignation over his possible political participation, but this is nonsensical and outrageous."

Meanwhile, Minister Choo filed disciplinary action against Prosecutor General Yoon and suspended him from duty on the previous day (24th). This is the first time in constitutional history.

At an emergency briefing at 6 p.m. at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office press room in Seocho-dong, Seoul, Minister Choo stated, "The Ministry of Justice has conducted direct investigations into various allegations of misconduct against the Prosecutor General, and as a result, confirmed multiple serious and grave allegations of misconduct," adding, "As the Minister of Justice, the highest supervisor of prosecutorial affairs, I have judged that it is no longer acceptable for the Prosecutor General to perform his duties as the head of the prosecution."

However, Prosecutor General Yoon hinted at legal action against Minister Choo's measures on the same day. In a statement distributed to the media about eight minutes after Minister Choo's briefing, Yoon emphasized, "I will legally respond to the illegal and unjust measures to the end," and "I have fulfilled my duties as Prosecutor General without any shame to protect the political neutrality of the prosecution."