Choo Mi-ae "We Must Shed the Stigma of Political Prosecution and Restore Normal Prosecution"
Kim Ki-hyun "Resignation Is Not Something the Opposition Should Applaud"
[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung, Ryu Jeong-min] As word spreads in Yeouido that Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's resignation is imminent, the political sphere feels like the calm before the storm. The general consensus in political circles is that Yoon's resignation would signify his entry into politics. The ruling party is refraining from direct responses for now, but this is expected to change once the resignation becomes more concrete. The opposition party is paying close attention while supporting Yoon's statements but drawing a clear line regarding political connections.
On the 4th, a Democratic Party official said, "By not responding to Yoon individually, we aim to keep this as much as possible a 'storm in a teacup'." In fact, the Democratic Party has recently refrained from mentioning Yoon in official meetings.
However, this is expected to change once Yoon formally announces his resignation. If he is no longer the 'Prosecutor General under the Moon Jae-in administration,' he must be seen as a resistance force against prosecutorial reform and a presidential contender. Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae emphasized on Facebook that "as the head of the prosecution, he should not lead frontline prosecutors into turmoil," and called for "prosecutorial reform that sheds the stigma of political prosecution and restores the honor of a normal prosecution."
At present, Yoon is almost the only potential candidate threatening the Democratic Party. In some ways, Yoon is a tougher opponent than the People Power Party. However, since reaching his peak by ranking first in some polls at the end of last year, his support has gradually declined. The Democratic Party appears wary of Yoon's strong opposition to the separation of investigative and prosecutorial powers and his attempt to reemerge as a champion representing conservatism.
The People Power Party is clearly opposing the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency proposed by the Democratic Party while supporting Yoon. Kim Ki-hyun, a four-term senior lawmaker, appeared on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning' on the 4th and said, "It is natural to resist illegal and unconstitutional measures such as political pressure during the fair execution of duties by the Prosecutor General, disciplinary actions, and suspension from duty simply because they disagree with their views."
However, he added, "Just because he has expressed his intention to resign, it is not something our opposition party should applaud. This is not a matter of ruling and opposition parties but a matter concerning the constitution and common sense." From the People Power Party's perspective, since they need to field their own presidential candidate, they cannot simply welcome Yoon's political entry despite his high public support.
The Blue House is in a difficult position. Even if Yoon submits his resignation, it is not easy for President Moon to accept it due to the 'responsibility for appointments' issue. The Blue House's recent statement that "the prosecution should calmly express their opinions" and its reticence are not unrelated to this situation. If Prime Minister Chung recommends dismissal, accepting it to decide Yoon's status would be even more difficult. It would be a choice that invites political backlash accusing the administration of 'purging Prosecutor General Yoon.'
According to Article 37 of the Prosecutors' Office Act, a prosecutor cannot be dismissed without impeachment, a prison sentence of more than a year, or disciplinary action. Although Yoon's status has become a political liability, the Blue House faces a dilemma with no easy choices.
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