'Prosecutorial Reform Conflict' Chu Mi-ae vs. Yoon Seok-yeol, Facing Off Again in the Presidential Election [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Choo Mi-ae on Yoon's Presidential Bid Outlook: "Won't Stand By as History Regresses"
"'Han Myeong-sook Case' Investigation Command, Proper Duty to Perform"
Yoon Seok-yeol: "Will Slowly Consider How to Serve the People"

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol has rapidly emerged as the opposition's presidential candidate, sparking speculation about former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae's potential presidential bid. Some quarters have even predicted Chu's presidential trajectory under the rationale that she is the "right person to catch Yoon Seok-yeol."

Yoon and Chu had intense conflicts over prosecutorial reform while serving as Prosecutor General and Minister of Justice, respectively.

In October last year, Yoon publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Chu during the National Assembly Judiciary Committee's inspection of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, stating, "Legally speaking, the Prosecutor General is not a subordinate of the Minister of Justice."

Earlier, in June of the same year, Chu strongly criticized Yoon, saying, "He cut my instructions in half," "He is abusing legal technicalities," and "If he had humbly listened to the minister's words, things that could have passed were complicated by his so-called command."

Given this situation, interest has grown around the presidential bid rumors of both Yoon Seok-yeol and Chu Mi-ae. The two, who had major conflicts centered on prosecutorial reform, can now freely make political statements and literally face off without rank. However, whether they will actually run in the presidential election remains uncertain.

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is paying her respects at the April 3rd Peace Park in Bonggae-dong, Jeju City, on the afternoon of the 17th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ Chu Mi-ae: "If I am useful, I can step forward, but I cannot just run anytime."

However, Chu recently mentioned a sense of historical mission regarding her presidential bid rumors, implying that she might run if the people want her to, thus leaving the possibility of a presidential run open.

Yoon, too, is reported to be living in seclusion without external activities for the time being, but there are expectations that after this period, he will deliver political messages through lectures and other means.

Regarding the presidential bid rumors, on the afternoon of the 17th, after receiving a plaque of appreciation for contributions to the enactment and revision of the Jeju 4.3 Special Act at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Chu told reporters, "Unless (the people) feel that the various future visions I have are necessary and call me, I am currently considering various things." She added, "When we understand the tasks demanded by the era and decide to solve them together, if I am useful, I can step forward, but can I just run anytime?"

She further stated, "We have passed through the 20th century, which included the industrialization era and wars globally and in our country, and 20 years have already passed since entering the 21st century. Yet, our way of thinking still has regressive forces trying to crush any truth with black-and-white logic." She continued, "Even though we have already raised candles to restore constitutional order and succeeded in a civic revolution, there are still forces trying to reverse that."

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae visited the April 3rd Peace Park in Bonggae-dong, Jeju City, on the afternoon of the 17th and is writing in the guestbook at the Memorial Tablet Hall. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, Chu emphasized, "For this era to move forward steadily, politicians who think in line with the times must take the lead," and "People who say 'this pace won't do' will demand leaders who can solve the era's challenges." She added, "There will be those who hone and prepare themselves to meet the call and demands of the times. Unless people feel that the various future visions I have are necessary and call me, I am currently considering various things, so it is difficult to say everything here."

Meanwhile, Chu reiterated the necessity of prosecutorial reform. In a KBS radio interview on the 18th, 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' she evaluated Minister Park Beom-gye's exercise of investigative authority to re-examine allegations of witness tampering by the investigation team of former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook's case as "an appropriate exercise of authority." She emphasized, "There must be evidence that the prosecution committed human rights violations and fabricated evidence."

Regarding Yoon's prospects for a presidential run, she criticized, "He should not run. If he insists on running, it is because the opposition party and the media have nurtured him."

On some speculations that she might run as a rival to Yoon, she said, "I have no interest in Yoon," but added, "I have a heavy responsibility for the progress and development of history. I believe we must not tolerate regression."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is moving to get into a vehicle after finishing a meeting with staff at the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office and District Prosecutors' Office on the afternoon of the 3rd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ Yoon Seok-yeol: "I will slowly consider how to serve society and the people after retirement."

Meanwhile, Yoon is reported to be living in seclusion without external activities for the time being. A close aide of Yoon told reporters on the 10th, "Yoon has no plans for special activities this month and in April," adding, "There is doubt about the necessity of public relations activities, and nothing special has been prepared."

Regarding expectations that Yoon will deliver political messages on various issues through lectures, the aide said, "Yoon plans to organize a comprehensive stance on the rule of law, including prosecutorial reform, which he has consistently advocated." He added, "However, such content cannot be completed in a few days and will take considerable time," and "It is not an immediate matter. Lecture activities and other external activities are expected to be almost none in March and April."

The aide said, "Since everything happened suddenly, he will first organize himself and focus on wrapping up lawsuits," and "If there are any changes in the future, they will be announced in advance."

Earlier, in October last year, during the Supreme Prosecutors' Office inspection, Yoon said about his post-retirement plans, "I will slowly consider how to serve society and the people after retirement." This was interpreted as hinting at a possible entry into politics after retirement. When Rep. Kim Do-eup of the People Power Party asked, "Does serving include politics?" he replied, "That is difficult to say," neither clearly confirming nor denying political ambitions.

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol

◆ Yoon Yeo-jun: "Despite insulting situations, no reaction and brief comments... well-trained."

Compared to former Minister Chu Mi-ae, who served as the leader of the Democratic Party, Yoon, who lacks so-called 'Yeouido experience,' may be politically weaker if his presidential bid materializes.

However, some believe Yoon has political sensibility. Former Minister of Environment Yoon Yeo-jun, speaking as a lecturer at the People Power Party's freshman study group 'Myeongbulheojeon Conservative,' said on the 17th, "If Yoon Seok-yeol joins the People Power Party, I think he will be a strong presidential candidate with a high chance of winning next year's election," and added, "Seeing him make brief comments without any reaction even in insulting situations, I think he is quite well-trained."

Experts say that regarding Chu's presidential bid rumors, she must first receive positive evaluations from the 'pro-Moon' (친문) faction. They also analyze that Yoon's lack of political experience could be an obstacle.

Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "It is important how Democratic Party members evaluate Chu," and "Yoon tends to gain support during conflict phases with Chu, so it won't be easy for her." He added, "In the past, Yoon was in a situation where he couldn't say what he wanted, but that is no longer the case." This suggests that if Yoon and Chu run for president, Yoon could openly confront Chu.

Lee further said, "Even if Chu does not run, she might show movements related to the presidential election to further solidify her political base," but added, "There are still many issues such as the 'pro-Moon third zone candidate theory,' so it seems difficult."

Regarding Yoon, he said, "Thinking of politician Yoon Seok-yeol, there are many hurdles to overcome. The immediate hurdle is real politics. He has no faction or political experience," and "With the presidential election approaching, it does not seem possible to resolve these issues in a short time."