"Ruling Party Criticizes Yoon Seok-yeol for Two Days, Claiming Damage to Prosecutorial Political Neutrality"

Kim Tae-nyeon "Recorded as the Worst President"
Lee Nak-yeon Also Adds Unified Criticism

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The ruling party continued its criticism for the second day following former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's resignation announcement and political declaration. There is also a prevailing atmosphere of caution as Yoon emerges as a leading presidential candidate for the opposition.

On the morning of the 5th, Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon stated at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, "Former Prosecutor General Yoon will be recorded in the history of prosecution as the worst prosecutor general who, intoxicated by power, used his position for personal gain," adding, "Yoon's claims that distort prosecution reform are at a delusional level." He continued, "The outcome of Yoon Seok-yeol's ambition-driven politics, marked by prejudice, irresponsibility, and narcissism, is obvious. Political decisions without a sense of historical mission are futile."

Party Leader Lee Nak-yeon also criticized Yoon's opposition to the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Office (SCIO) and his resignation, saying, "The Democratic Party was in the process of gathering opinions without concluding on the establishment of the SCIO," and "Even the Prosecutor General could have expressed his opinions through appropriate channels, which would have been a proper conduct for a public official." He further pointed out that Yoon's resignation just one day after proposing alternatives to the SCIO was inconsistent.

Concerns were also raised that Yoon's actions could ultimately damage the political neutrality of the prosecution. Representative Park Ju-min said in an interview with KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs' on the same day, "Even during his tenure as Prosecutor General, Yoon engaged in many actions that could be misunderstood as political moves," adding, "If he embarks on a full-fledged political path, it will significantly impact the political neutrality of the prosecution." Regarding the People Power Party's moves to support Yoon, Representative Park stated, "I hope they consider whether it is politically wise to bolster the Prosecutor General's political activities," and "They should also contemplate the future impact on the social governance system."