[Summary] "Political Prosecution" vs "Let's Unite" Conflicting Reactions from Ruling and Opposition Parties over Yoon Seok-yeol's Resignation

Nowungrae "Will Be Recorded as the Worst Prosecutor General"
Chumiae "Pretending to Be a Victim for Politics... Absurd"
Opposition "Will Join Forces with Prosecutor General Yoon if Necessary"

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 Kang Juhee] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's sudden resignation on the 4th has sparked fierce criticism from the ruling party, labeling him as an "irresponsible Prosecutor General" and accusing him of "playing the victim." On the other hand, the opposition welcomed Yoon's resignation, with some even proposing to "join forces."

No Woong-rae, a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, targeted Yoon in a post on his Facebook page, stating, "He refused to suspend his duties and even threatened lawsuits, but resigning just over four months before his term ends is the result of thorough political calculation." He added, "It raises suspicion of a 'planned resignation by the opposition' aimed at focusing attention by playing the victim and steering the by-election in a favorable direction."

He continued, "He obstructed prosecutorial reform solely for the benefit of the prosecution until the very end and even planned his resignation as a political show, leaving behind the title of 'the ultimate political prosecutor.'" He strongly criticized, "He will be recorded in history as the worst Prosecutor General."

Jeong Cheong-rae, a lawmaker from the same party, also wrote on Facebook that day, "The prosecutorial coup by political prosecutors has begun," pointing out, "While political soldiers have been ousted into history, political prosecutors are moving backward against the times and starting to flow upstream."

He added, "Everyone is free to participate in politics and has the right to vote, but there is at least basic common sense. Just as one should not engage in politics wearing a military uniform or a judicial robe, those who use the Prosecutor General position to pursue political self-interest will ultimately face ruin," he criticized.

Former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae, who had conflicts with Prosecutor General Yoon during her tenure, fiercely criticized Yoon for "playing the victim."

In an interview with MBC Radio's "Pyo Chang-won's News High Kick," former Minister Chu said, "Neutrality is as vital as life for a prosecutor. However, Yoon repeatedly violated neutrality as a prosecutor by making political statements. There is nothing more absurd than wanting to participate in a political presidential election while playing the victim and using it as a justification," she pointed out.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the other hand, the opposition welcomed Prosecutor General Yoon's resignation, expressing sentiments such as "Let's join forces" and "We support you."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, held a press conference that day and said, "It is very regrettable that Prosecutor General Yoon, who fought well against the injustice of the Moon Jae-in administration, has announced his resignation, stating that he no longer has the strength to fight." He emphasized, "If necessary, I will do my best to join forces with Prosecutor General Yoon to protect the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and the rule of law."

Joo also criticized the government, saying, "The unprecedented wave of protest resignations by a Prosecutor General in history will remain as the biggest blot of the Moon Jae-in administration for a long time."

Baek Jun-young, a spokesperson from the same party, expressed sympathy for Prosecutor General Yoon in a verbal statement that day, saying, "There must have been limits in resisting the regime's attacks driven by selfishness and self-preservation," and "One can imagine the regret of the Prosecutor General who had to watch the destruction of constitutional spirit and the rule of law system."

Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, extended a hand of solidarity on Facebook, saying, "Prosecutor General Yoon's resignation is to protect constitutional values," and "Therefore, his resignation should not be the end but a new beginning. I hope to join in preventing the extension of this lawless regime."

Earlier, Prosecutor General Yoon announced around 2 p.m. that day in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office building, "My role in the prosecution ends here," and "I intend to resign from the position of Prosecutor General today."

He said, "The constitutional spirit and rule of law system that have supported this country are being destroyed. The damage will directly fall on the people," adding, "However, as I have done so far, I will continue to devote all my efforts to protecting liberal democracy and the people, regardless of my position in the future."

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in accepted Prosecutor General Yoon's resignation immediately about an hour after his announcement, according to Jeong Man-ho, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House.