Resignation Letter No. 2 · Inaugural Speech No. 24... Yoon Seok-yeol's Exit Shouting 'Gukmin'

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is expressing his intention to resign from the position of Prosecutor General as he arrives at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 4th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol emphasized the people in particular when announcing his resignation on the 4th. In a statement of just a few sentences, the word 'people' appeared twice. The people, mentioned in various official and unofficial occasions since his inauguration, were also the key term in this resignation statement.

On the afternoon of the same day, as he entered the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Yoon said, "The constitutional spirit and the rule of law system that have sustained this country are being destroyed," adding, "The damage will directly fall upon the people." He also stated, "As I have done so far, I will continue to do my utmost to protect liberal democracy and safeguard the people, regardless of the position I hold in the future."

Yoon also mentioned the people several times during his visit to the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office the day before. At a meeting with prosecutors, he said, "Strongly responding to corruption in all political, economic, and social fields is to protect the people and is a constitutional duty of the state and government." He further stated, "'The people's prosecution' means not to be swayed by the appointing authority, to punish those in power according to principles, and to protect the relatively weaker people, which is a constitutional responsibility."

Earlier, in his inauguration speech on July 25, 2019, Yoon emphasized the people 24 times. The first topic introduced the provision of Article 1 of the Constitution, "All power comes from the people," stating, "Criminal law enforcement is the power granted by the people and is the strongest public authority. Since the authority is granted by the people, it must be used solely for the people according to the Constitution and laws, and must not be used for private interests or specific groups." Yoon also said, "Political neutrality required of the prosecution is achieved when the constitutional spirit that law enforcement authority comes from the people is practiced," adding, "Criminal law enforcement also aims to protect the rights and interests of the people, but inevitably involves infringement on the rights and interests of the people in the process."

At the end of his inauguration speech, he said, "Let me say once again, the criminal law enforcement authority we exercise is granted by the people, and the scope, method, and goals of law enforcement are all for the benefit and protection of the people," adding, "(omitted) We must carry out law enforcement with an attitude of 'being with the people,' listening to their voices, understanding their circumstances, and empathizing with their thoughts." He also proposed the idea of a 'prosecution with the people.'