Choo Mi-ae: "Lee Nak-yeon, Now Playing 'Excuse Show' for Prosecution Reform"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Former Minister of Justice and Democratic Party presidential candidate Chu Mi-ae criticized former party leader Lee Nak-yeon, saying, "The sincerity of prosecutorial reform must be demonstrated through action," and added, "Instead of sitting together in a closed room for a defensive final debate, immediately collect signatures from all camp-affiliated lawmakers urging prosecutorial reform legislation, and use that as a basis to demand candidates' participation."

Former Minister of Justice and Democratic Party presidential primary candidate Chu Mi-ae is holding a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 9th, urging the integration of the Democratic Party and the Open Democratic Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

On the 19th, former Minister Chu wrote on Facebook that she watched the previous day's final debate on prosecutorial reform between Representative Kim Jong-min and former leader Lee, pointing out, "It is clear that Lee's intention to 'avoid responsibility' stems from his lukewarm attitude toward prosecutorial reform during his tenure as Prime Minister and party leader, and even breaking promises on reform legislation." She said, "It is true that I consulted extensively with Representative Kim Jong-min during the prosecutorial reform process, but I am very disappointed and even feel betrayed that it is now being claimed that this was the will of party leader Lee Nak-yeon."

Former Minister Chu criticized, "Yesterday's final debate between the two was a disgraceful 'defensive show' revealing the petty tricks of a candidate in trouble due to an anti-prosecutorial reform stance and the camp trying to evade it," adding, "It was quite puzzling that he hesitated when he was party leader but made a pledge to carry out prosecutorial reform once he became a candidate."

She continued, "I have never wavered on the front line of prosecutorial reform," emphasizing, "Prosecutorial reform must be done immediately." She added, "The party leadership must receive not just proposals but firm demands and clear answers," and "Only by showing sincerity through action and practice can true sincerity be trusted."

Earlier, former leader Lee proposed through Lee Nak-yeon TV that Democratic Party presidential candidates suggest to the leadership to pass the bill separating the prosecution's investigation and indictment powers within the year.