[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, claimed that the resignation of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is the responsibility of the Moon Jae-in administration. He expressed his intention to join efforts with Yoon to prevent the extension of the current administration.
On the 4th, Governor Won stated on Facebook, "Prosecutor General Yoon has resigned," calling it "a regrettable and unfortunate event."
Earlier that day at 2 p.m., Yoon announced his voluntary resignation. This was in opposition to the ruling party's plan to establish the Serious Crime Investigation Office, which would completely strip the prosecution of its investigative authority, known as the so-called 'Geomsu Wanbak' (complete removal of prosecution's investigative powers).
Governor Won explained, "The fundamental responsibility for this situation lies with President Moon Jae-in," adding, "He appointed Yoon telling him to investigate even the living powers, but before the echo of those words faded, he was already being attacked."
He continued, "The Cho Kuk incident was just a prelude. The controversies involving former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, Park Beom-gye, and Shin Hyun-soo stem from the president's pettiness in trying to protect his own people’s crimes from the prosecution," and criticized, "Eventually, by establishing the Serious Crime Investigation Office to neutralize the prosecution and turning South Korea into a lawless territory for factions, the administration is neglecting and effectively condoning this."
Governor Won also said, "Prosecutor General Yoon’s resignation is to uphold constitutional values. Therefore, his resignation should not be the end but a new beginning," and expressed hope, "I look forward to working together to prevent the extension of this lawless administration."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
