President Moon Emphasizes 'Procedure and Fairness'... What Paths Remain for Choo and Yoon Over the Next Six Days?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporter Son Sunhee] "Procedural legitimacy and fairness."

These were the key words emphasized by President Moon Jae-in on December 3, as he delivered his first direct message regarding the so-called "Chu-Yoon affair." The Blue House was extremely cautious about the ongoing situation being interpreted as an attempt to oust Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyeol, repeatedly stating that "there is no guideline." The office also added, "Please do not prejudge the outcome and watch the process calmly."

The situation has entered a brief pause. At around 2:40 p.m. that day, after President Moon's directives were announced, the Ministry of Justice issued a statement about an hour and a half later, saying that the disciplinary committee would be postponed again to December 10. This was in response to Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyeol's request. Just that morning, the ministry had insisted that another postponement was not possible, but the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Most observers believe President Moon's message had a significant impact.

There are now six days left until the disciplinary committee convenes. Naturally, attention is focused on the future of both Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon. Since President Moon has emphasized "procedural fairness," the Ministry of Justice's decision to postpone the disciplinary committee has secured the "five-day grace period after the delivery of the summons" that Yoon requested. As a result, unnecessary procedural controversies are expected to be at least partially resolved.

The issue now is "fairness." The composition of the disciplinary committee is, in effect, in the hands of Minister Choo. While Minister Choo, as the person who filed the disciplinary request, will not participate, the committee will consist of the Vice Minister of Justice (an ex officio member), two prosecutors appointed by the minister, and one each from among lawyers, law professors, and individuals with extensive knowledge and experience. This has raised concerns about whether a fair disciplinary process can truly take place within a committee composed of individuals appointed by Minister Choo.

The Blue House has stressed that there are no "guidelines" regarding the disciplinary committee. However, the emphasis on law and principle itself is likely to serve as a guideline. It is interpreted as a sign of concern about the burden of imposing excessive disciplinary measures without sufficient procedure or justification.

For this reason, some are raising the possibility of Minister Choo stepping down. The timing could be the imminent cabinet reshuffle or after the amendment to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Act is processed on December 9, providing an opportunity for Minister Choo to resign.

Meanwhile, some analysts believe that the postponement of the disciplinary committee has given Prosecutor General Yoon time to consider voluntary resignation. Once the disciplinary process begins, resignation becomes impossible, so there is still a window of opportunity before then. However, this is entirely up to Yoon himself, and since he has already expressed his determination to take legal action, the likelihood appears low.