Cheong, Ruling Party Urged to Slow Down Prosecution Reform... "Shin Hyun-su's Decision to Be Made Soon" (Comprehensive)

Yoo Young-min, Cheong Secretary-General, Debuts at National Assembly Steering Committee... Shin Hyun-soo Explains Key Issues Including Prosecution Reform and COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporters Jeongmin Ryu and Jieun Lee] It has been confirmed that President Moon Jae-in conveyed a message implying a need to slow down the pace of prosecutorial reform during a meeting with Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye. The Blue House stated that President Moon's decision regarding the position of Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Shin Hyun-soo will be made soon.

On the afternoon of the 24th, Chief Presidential Secretary Yoo Young-min attended the National Assembly's Steering Committee plenary session to explain major current issues. The topics that drew the most attention at the session were the status of Senior Secretary Shin Hyun-soo, COVID-19 (including vaccine response), and prosecutorial reform.

First, Chief Secretary Yoo attracted attention by explaining the calls for slowing down prosecutorial reform related to the separation of investigative and prosecutorial powers and the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (Investigation Agency). It was revealed that President Moon personally met with Minister Park and conveyed a message implying the need to slow down.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During a Q&A session with Kwon Sang-do, a member of the People Power Party, Chief Secretary Yoo said, "The talk about slowing down was a request made on the day Minister Park came to the Blue House to receive his appointment letter," adding, "(I) believe the Democratic Party is doing well in slowing down."

He added, "The fact is, on the day the appointment letter was given to Minister Park, I had tea with President Moon and conveyed this request." Further questions followed regarding whether President Moon actually used the wording "slow down."

Kim Tae-nyeon, the chair of the National Assembly Steering Committee and floor leader of the Democratic Party, pointed out, "(Chief Secretary Yoo's remarks) could be misunderstood," and said, "It could be misinterpreted that the President used the wording 'slow down' in that way." Chief Secretary Yoo clarified, "The exact wording was not like that; it was an expression with that kind of meaning."

During a conversation with Jeong Hee-yong, a member of the People Power Party, Chief Secretary Yoo also explained Senior Secretary Shin's role as a coordinator between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chief Secretary Yoo said, "I judged that (Senior Secretary Shin) would have difficulty acting as a coordinator between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution in this matter, which caused him distress," and added, "I think his uprightness also had some influence."

He also rejected claims that Senior Secretary Shin's actions amounted to insubordination. When People Power Party member Cho Su-jin pointed out, "Isn't Senior Secretary Shin's behavior insubordination?" Yoo responded, "I do not agree. It is not insubordination."

Chief Secretary Yoo also stated that President Moon's decision regarding Senior Secretary Shin's position will be made soon. In response to a question from People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young, Yoo said, "The President will make a decision soon. It is an awkward situation," and added, "How long can this ambiguous situation last?"

Issues related to COVID-19 were also a focus of Chief Secretary Yoo's responses that day. When Democratic Party member Hong Jeong-min pointed out that the Korean Medical Association is even considering refusing COVID-19 vaccines, Yoo said, "The government will respond firmly if there is vaccine refusal."

Regarding the issue of revoking medical licenses, Yoo explained, "The purpose of the amendment to the Medical Service Act is limited to a very small number of immoral medical professionals who have committed serious crimes," and added, "It could rather be a good thing for restoring trust in medical professionals."