Ruling Party: "Yoon Seok-yeol, Self-Inflicted Trouble Trying to Protect Prosecutorial Privileges" vs Opposition: "A Promise Is a Promise, Must Accept National Investigation"

Ruling and Opposition Leaders Engage in Daily Exchanges of Fire

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's 'fateful week' has begun. The leadership of both ruling and opposition parties are intensifying their attacks and defenses regarding Prosecutor General Yoon and Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae.

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, targeted Yoon during the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 30th, saying, "The reason why prosecutorial reform is difficult is being shown by the prosecution itself these days." He also pointed out, "In particular, the prosecution's surveillance of judges and its current attitude reveal the gap between the democracy we aspire to and the prosecution's consciousness."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks via video conference at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also said at the Supreme Council meeting that day, "The referral of the sitting Prosecutor General to the disciplinary committee is a self-inflicted consequence caused by Yoon," adding, "Some say Yoon was 'targeted' because he investigated the living power, but what Yoon tried to protect was his position and the prosecution's privileges."

Kim further emphasized, "Now is the time to end the era of the prosecution for the prosecution, the era of political prosecution," and "The Yoon incident shows that the era of the prosecution for the prosecution is coming to an end."

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Supreme Council members also raised their voices. Kim Jong-min, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said, "There are opinions that Yoon's suspension from duty is unfair, but this is entirely within the legal authority of the Minister of Justice," adding, "Suspension from duty is an inevitable measure." No Woong-rae, another Supreme Council member, stressed, "The prosecution's insensitivity to illegal surveillance is sky-high," and "The disciplinary action against Prosecutor General Yoon must be handled swiftly and decisively to avoid confusion."

On the other hand, the People Power Party focused on defending Prosecutor General Yoon. Kim Chong-in, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, stated at the emergency committee meeting that morning, "Minister Choo and some within the Democratic Party must clearly explain to the public the fundamental reason why they are determined to remove Prosecutor General Yoon." He also emphasized, "It is necessary to question common sense among the general public whether attempts to exclude Yoon can be tolerated in a country governed by the rule of law."

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is delivering an opening remark at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, warned Minister Choo, "You need to regain composure. It is not too late even now. I warn that if you continue to repeat mistakes, it will inevitably become dangerous." He also urged again to accept a state audit, saying, "There is a saying that a single word from a man is worth a thousand gold coins. The words of the ruling party leader should not be rejected within the party or ridiculed by the public."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Debates continued over Joo's statement the previous day that "the republic of Korea is in crisis." Shin Dong-geun, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, criticized, "It is truly shameless to push the situation to where the amendment of the Corruption Investigation Office Act is inevitable without even apologizing." On the same day, Jang Kyung-tae, a member of the same party, pointed out on Facebook, "The republic of Korea was destroyed by former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye and is being trampled by the prosecution," adding, "Even the opposition party should not protect the misconduct of administrative agencies but should sharply criticize it. Isn't that why the strange phenomenon of the current Prosecutor General leading the opposition presidential candidate support is happening?"