Lee Nak-yeon "Reinstatement of Dismissed Teachers as First Investigation of the Corruption Investigation Office? ... Disappoints Public Expectations"

Former leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yeon is answering reporters' questions as he leaves his home in Jongno-gu, Seoul, after being released from self-quarantine on the 15th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency has selected the special hiring case of dismissed teachers by Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, as its 'first investigation' target, which was publicly criticized by former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon.

On the 15th, former leader Lee stated on his Facebook, "It is natural that many citizens find it puzzling that the reinstatement of dismissed teachers is the first investigation target, putting aside numerous power-related corruptions," adding, "It is regrettable."

He pointed out, "It is unexpected that the first investigation of the newly launched agency after a long wait is this case," and "It goes against the public's expectation who hoped for a thorough investigation of high-ranking officials' corruption without sanctuary." He continued, "Based on existing laws, metropolitan and provincial offices of education nationwide have been conducting special hiring of educational officials. The National Assembly and government should discuss improvements to the reinstatement system for dismissed teachers," and added, "It seems appropriate for the agency to wait for discussions on system improvements rather than immediately proceeding with criminal punishment."

Former leader Lee also added, "As of April 30, two-thirds of the cases received by the agency are related to judges and prosecutors," urging, "Remember the public's desire for a just society who awaited the launch of the agency."