Lee Cheol-hee "Choo, Yoon Seok-yeol's Duty Exclusion is Wrong... Possibility of Political Misstep"

Photo by SBS Radio 'Lee Cheol-hee's Political Show' homepage capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Cheol-hee criticized on the 25th the decision by Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae to request disciplinary action against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and to order his suspension from duty, saying, "To put it strongly, it could be a political misstep."

On the same day, on his SBS radio show "Lee Cheol-hee's Political Show," the former lawmaker said, "I think going as far as suspension from duty was somewhat wrong." However, he added, "I do acknowledge that Prosecutor General Yoon did things that could be misunderstood, and I hope he wouldn't have done that."

He continued, "Ultimately, the key for politicians or the government is how much they can win the hearts of the people. I don't know if Minister Choo's disciplinary request can push Prosecutor General Yoon out, but I wonder if it will win hearts," adding, "I worry it might be a case of losing the big picture for small gains."

Lee also said, "From what I hear around me, many people are debating right and wrong, but at the same time, some say, 'It's too exhausting; I wish this would just end.'" Regarding whether the Blue House and Minister Choo coordinated on Yoon's suspension, he claimed, "From experience, since the president's approval is required for such matters, it must have been done with his consent."

Earlier, on the 24th, Minister Choo announced that after investigating Prosecutor General Yoon, serious misconduct allegations were confirmed, making it impossible to tolerate his continued performance of duties. This marks the first time in constitutional history that a Minister of Justice has ordered the suspension of a sitting Prosecutor General.