[Summary] Political Sphere Stirred by Yoon Seok-yeol's Resignation... Ruling Party 'Criticizes' vs Opposition 'Welcomes'

"Opposition-led Planned Resignation Suspected," Ruling Party's Fierce Attack
"Now an Opposition Figure," "Hope You Support Regime Change," Opposition's Love Call

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is giving a farewell speech as he leaves the Supreme Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after resigning on the afternoon of the 4th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's sudden resignation has sparked differing opinions between the ruling and opposition parties. While the ruling party criticized Yoon's resignation as a "politically motivated planned resignation," the opposition has labeled him as an "opposition figure" and is extending calls of support.

Earlier, on the 4th, Yoon held a press conference in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, stating, "I can no longer watch the common sense and justice that our society has built up over many years collapse," and announced his intention to resign, saying, "My role in the prosecution ends here."

In a letter to the prosecution members, he expressed his sorrow, saying, "I did my best aiming for a fair prosecution and a prosecution for the people, but I can no longer just watch the prosecution being destroyed and the anti-corruption system collapsing."

He also emphasized, "I am stepping down from the position of Prosecutor General to protect justice, common sense, democracy, and the rule of law in our society."

Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is greeting employees as he leaves the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after resigning on the afternoon of the 4th. / Photo by Yonhap News

The reactions from the ruling and opposition parties were divided. The Democratic Party of Korea immediately opposed Yoon's resignation, claiming it was a calculated move considering political ambitions.

Choi In-ho, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "Throwing away the position of Prosecutor General over an issue under parliamentary discussion is an extremely irresponsible act," and criticized, "Yoon had declared his loyalty to the prosecution organization himself, but ultimately made the prosecution organization suffer with an unexpected resignation."

He added, "Yoon's sincerity was not with the prosecution but with his political moves."

Another senior member of the same party, Noh Woong-rae, stated, "He refused suspension of duty and even threatened lawsuits, but resigning four months before the end of his term is a thoroughly political calculation," and claimed, "It raises suspicion of a 'planned resignation by the opposition' aiming to focus attention by playing the victim and steer the by-election in a favorable direction."

He further said, "He obstructed prosecution reform solely for the prosecution's benefit until the end and even planned his resignation as a political show, remaining as the 'ultimate political prosecutor,'" sharpening his criticism by saying, "He will be recorded in history as the worst Prosecutor General."

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, the opposition expressed expectations by defining Yoon as an "opposition figure."

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, said at a National Assembly press conference on the 5th, "Now that he has become a private citizen, he can become an opposition figure," and evaluated, "He came out after a direct confrontation with this government. Therefore, he can only belong to the opposition."

He added, "Previously, since he was in office, it was natural to say he was a person of this government," and emphasized, "Seeing that the government could not embrace Yoon and instantly accepted his resignation upon his announcement yesterday, he is no longer a person of this government."

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People's Party, also expressed hope in an interview on KBS1 Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs' on the same day, saying, "Since expectations are gathered from opposition supporters, I hope (Yoon) will play a role in supporting regime change."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min wrote on Facebook on the previous day (4th), "I expected Yoon to strictly investigate and prosecute the power-type corruption of the Moon Jae-in administration until the last day of his term," but emphasized, "However, the truth will ultimately prevail."

He added, "Prosecutor General Yoon, thank you for your hard work so far," and said, "I hope you will continue to join the path of upholding the spirit and values of the Constitution and creating a true democratic republic."