[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, commented on the parole issue of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, stating, "There has been a failure to fully adhere to the spirit of the law in practice. I believe the scope of parole should be expanded further."
On the morning of the 7th, while heading to the Ministry of Justice Government Gwacheon Office, Minister Park told reporters, "I think what the party leader said has significance in itself." Earlier, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, mentioned the possibility of pardoning Vice Chairman Lee, saying, "It does not necessarily have to be limited to a pardon; it can also be resolved through parole."
However, Minister Park also emphasized, "As the President said, I can only give a fundamental answer that public consensus is important."
On the same day, regarding the recent high-level prosecutor personnel appointments, he evaluated, "Not even 1 gram of personal considerations were taken into account," and added, "I believe this personnel decision clearly distinguishes between public and private matters." Regarding the promotion of Lee Sung-yoon, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, to Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, he said, "I made the personnel decision solely based on my official duties in accordance with the Constitution and laws."
Regarding the prosecution system reform plan, which the Ministry of Justice plans to finalize before mid-level personnel appointments, he explained, "I will listen to Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo's opinions, but it is difficult to accept the scope of direct investigations to the extent that it could undermine human rights protection or judicial control," adding, "I think serious economic crimes and crimes affecting people's livelihoods, which impact the daily lives of citizens, will be a topic of discussion."
When asked whether he would meet with Prosecutor General Kim regarding the reform plan, he replied, "If necessary, I can meet," but added, "Since communication has gone well so far, if there is some understanding at the working level, I think there is no need to meet. It will depend on the situation." Additionally, he said the prosecution system reform plan will not be submitted to the Cabinet meeting on the 8th.
Regarding criticism that only one woman was promoted to chief prosecutor this time, Minister Park said, "I think this is the best result possible. We will consider this significantly in the follow-up personnel appointments," adding, "Not only women but also criminal trials, human rights, women and children, schools, and local areas need to be well balanced."
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