Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is having a dinner meeting with former lawmaker Kim Young-hwan at a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol expressed deep sorrow over the hardships faced by former conservative government figures, including former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, who were imprisoned under his investigation leadership, saying, "My heart aches greatly when I think of them."
In an interview released by Dong-A Ilbo on the 12th, Yoon, who served as the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in the early days of the Moon Jae-in administration and led the so-called 'deep-rooted evils investigation,' stated, "Regardless of reasons or party affiliations, I offer my condolences and regrets to all those who suffered painful experiences because of me."
He added, "Not only during the early investigations of the regime but prosecutors should always be considerate of those who face difficulties due to investigations and carry a constant feeling of remorse. I fully understand that those individuals may harbor feelings of resentment or even grudges against me." He continued, "Just because a prosecutor enforces the law does not justify the emotions of those who suffer."
Regarding the pardons of the two former presidents mentioned earlier, he said, "The reason the president holds the power of pardon is to achieve national unity. If it is deemed necessary for national unity, I believe President Moon Jae-in will make a decision."
When asked if, looking back now, he thought any investigations were excessive or if he wished they had been conducted differently, he replied, "When conducting investigations, what you think you did properly often later makes you think you should have done less, and conversely, what you think was insufficient later seems appropriate. I have heard this from my seniors, and after finishing my term as Prosecutor General, I find myself understanding their experiences and teachings better."
Regarding his feelings toward President Moon Jae-in, he said, "I believe I offered sincere advice for the success of the Moon Jae-in administration. It is regrettable and weighs heavily on my heart that my sincerity does not seem to have been conveyed."
Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, who announced his resignation, is leaving the Board of Audit and Inspection on the afternoon of the 28th of last month, accompanied by farewells from staff. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, former Prosecutor General Yoon expressed his willingness regarding unification with former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, saying, "If unification or any other measure can ensure a definite regime change, I will make any decision."
He emphasized, "Rather than pursuing personal political ambitions, I am willing to do anything for the greater cause of regime change. Regardless of the timing of unification, this regime must be replaced. I can firmly assure the people who desire regime change that I will never disappoint them."
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