Autumn Feels Fear, Yoon Trying to Buy Time

Choo "Feeling fear but will not back down"
Yoon counters with request to reschedule disciplinary committee date

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae (left) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] On the 3rd, Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae said, "Although I feel a chilling fear and terror during the process of promoting prosecutorial reform, I will not back down and will fulfill my duty by reforming it."

On the morning of the same day, Minister Chu posted on Facebook with a message expressing strong determination for prosecutorial reform, attaching a 'portrait photo of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun.'

Minister Chu harshly criticized, "The prosecution has failed to distinguish between prosecutorial independence and abuse, and while shouting for the protection of independence, it has become a symbol of prosecutorial abuse."

She continued, "While investigating the 'living power,' the prosecution, which has already become a political force to the extent of being called the 'Prosecutors' Party' by politically selecting investigation targets and rallying public opinion, is even paralyzing democratic control systems."

She added, "At this critical juncture, I feel a chilling fear and terror, but if this is not reformed, prosecutorial reform will become an empty phrase. Therefore, I cannot give up my duty."

Meanwhile, the side of Prosecutor General Yoon is raising issues regarding the convening of the disciplinary committee by the Ministry of Justice and is employing a strategy to prolong the matter. Having demanded the disclosure of the disciplinary committee members list, Prosecutor General Yoon's side is expected to submit an application to the Ministry of Justice on the morning of the day to reschedule the disciplinary committee.

However, the Ministry of Justice appears to be ignoring this and is likely to proceed with the disciplinary committee on the 4th, increasing confusion. Even if the disciplinary committee is held as scheduled, Prosecutor General Yoon is expected to confirm the members on-site and counter with a 'recusal request.'

If this happens, the series of procedures such as 'holding the disciplinary committee → resolution of dismissal → presidential approval' is likely to be delayed more than Minister Chu anticipated. On the other hand, the investigation clock targeting the current administration by Prosecutor General Yoon may move faster than his dismissal decision.