Cheong, Different from Yeouido Views Urging Political Solutions... PM Jeong's 'Political Voice' Also a Factor in Judgment
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] A temperature difference is being sensed between the Blue House and the political circles in Yeouido regarding the solution to the conflict between Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl.
While the political sphere is recommending President Moon Jae-in to pursue a 'political solution,' the Blue House is placing more weight on the 'time of law.' They are drawing up a response plan that comprehensively considers the Constitution, the Prosecutors' Office Act, the authority of the Ministry of Justice, and court decisions, but the degree of concern is deepening as they also face the challenge of somehow resolving Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's political voice.
When it became known that Prime Minister Chung encouraged a solution linking the positions of Minister Chu and Prosecutor General Yoon on the 30th of last month, the 'time of politics' gained some weight, but there are also evaluations that this is an overinterpretation. The Prime Minister's side denies the observation that Minister Chu's position was mentioned. The general opinion is that President Moon will not pursue a political solution before the Ministry of Justice's disciplinary committee decision on Prosecutor General Yoon on the 2nd.
The Blue House senior secretaries and aides meeting on the 30th of last month also supports this observation. President Moon said, "It is time to further refine the mindset of public officials facing the crisis," and emphasized, "(All public officials) must overcome the crisis with a spirit of putting the community's interest before their affiliated departments or group interests, and pioneer an era of great change."
President Moon stressed, "Even if there is pain and difficulty, when we have the will to boldly part with the old through reform and innovation and strive for change, a new future will open," and added, "Although it looks chaotic, South Korea is moving in the right direction."
Contrary to expectations that there would be no special mention at the meeting, he sent a warning message about the so-called 'prosecutorial turmoil (Geomran, 檢亂)' through an 'indirect speech.' However, he moderated the tone with restrained language, not directly naming Prosecutor General Yoon or the prosecution. The reason they have no choice but to respond this way is that it is a politically sensitive issue and there are legal limitations.
If President Moon were to urge Prosecutor General Yoon to resign in any form, it would remain a political burden. The problem is that if Yoon resists, there is no appropriate solution. While the President could make a judgment if the time comes to approve the Ministry of Justice disciplinary committee's decision, it is difficult to take action before that.
In that sense, it is noteworthy that Prime Minister Chung's side partially disclosed the content of the regular meeting conversation with President Moon. Because of this, there was speculation that President Moon would prepare a political solution, especially a recovery plan including the simultaneous resignation of Minister Chu. Some view this as part of the Prime Minister's 'self-politics' regarding this matter.
There is no disagreement within the ruling party that this controversy must be resolved early. However, the ruling party, presidential candidates, and the Blue House do not necessarily share the same perspective. From the Blue House's standpoint, they must place weight on alleviating the President's political burden. The Blue House views the opposition party's attempt to involve President Moon in this controversy as having political motives. The problem is that this is an issue the Blue House wants to avoid but cannot.
The controversy over Prosecutor General Yoon's position is effectively a 'checkmate' for President Moon. When the Ministry of Justice disciplinary committee's decision is made, President Moon will face a situation where he must make a judgment.
If a severe disciplinary decision is made and President Moon approves it, he will ultimately become the final authority who forced Prosecutor General Yoon to step down. If Yoon leaves office before completing his fixed term, the responsibility will inevitably fall on the appointing authority (the President) who appointed him as the head of the prosecution.
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