Hwang Kyo-ahn: "Ruling Party, Political Prosecutor Yoon Seok-yeol? Shameless Claim... Audacity Has Its Limits"

Former Future United Party (now People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn announced his resignation from the party leadership regarding the results of the 21st general election on April 15 last year at the Future United Party-Future Korea Party vote counting situation room set up in the National Assembly Library auditorium. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Former Future United Party (now People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn criticized the ruling party on the 7th for calling former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol a "political prosecutor," saying, "There is a limit to audacity."

On the same day, Hwang posted on his Facebook, "The ruling party's claim of 'political prosecutor Yoon Seok-yeol' is truly a shameless assertion." He added, "They criticize Yoon as someone who 'should never have been Prosecutor General.' This behavior confuses the public," and asked, "Who made Yoon Seok-yeol Prosecutor General, and who called him 'our chief' and 'Prosecutor General of the Moon Jae-in government'?"

He continued, "Who drove out Yoon, who tried to faithfully perform his duties? It was the Moon Jae-in Blue House, the Ministry of Justice under Choo Mi-ae, and the pro-Jo Guk Taliban lawmakers leading the Democratic Party who chased Yoon Seok-yeol away," criticizing, "Their shamelessness is unprecedented in history. The people will surely hold them accountable."

Hwang warned, "I clearly caution that if they rejoice at Yoon's resignation saying 'a thorn has been removed' and hastily appoint a successor to neutralize investigations into power, they will face even greater consequences." He emphasized, "Ongoing cases such as the nuclear phase-out should proceed and conclude through proper procedures, and stalled investigations into power-related corruption must be reactivated and accelerated."

He also stated, "For this, the appointment of the next Prosecutor General must be made with utmost caution," and argued, "If they appoint shameless pro-government figures like the current Central District Prosecutor, who only served as the regime's shield, as Prosecutor General, they will inevitably face unprecedented public backlash."

He added, "I ask most of the junior prosecutors who are performing their duties with integrity to focus solely on the people and their responsibilities. I will support you as much as I can, even if only slightly."

Earlier, on the 4th, when Yoon submitted his resignation, Hwang announced his return to politics, saying, "Though my strength is insignificant, I must do something." This comes about 11 months after he stepped down following the defeat in the April 15 general election last year.

On the same day (the 4th), Hwang shared the poem "Gwangya" by poet Yi Yuk-sa on Facebook, saying, "Having received great benefits from the country, I resolved that I should not remain idle." He also stated, "The seemingly endless winter is inevitably retreating. Finally, spring with the fragrant plum blossoms has returned. I believe the COVID-19 crisis and the Moon Jae-in administration's recklessness will be no different."