[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo will undergo a parliamentary audit at the National Assembly for the first time since his inauguration.
According to the legal community on the 17th, the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee will conduct a parliamentary audit at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 18th. Intense clashes between the ruling and opposition parties are expected over the 'Daejang-dong development favoritism and lobbying allegations' and the 'accusation referral allegations' currently under investigation by the prosecution ahead of next year's presidential election.
As a significant line of questioning is expected to be directed at Prosecutor General Kim, attention may focus on his responses. Kim was inaugurated in June and will face a parliamentary audit for the first time.
Above all, the Daejang-dong development lobbying and favoritism allegations are the hottest issues. The opposition is expected to criticize the prosecution's investigation, citing the delayed search and seizure of Seongnam City Hall and the dismissal of the arrest warrant for Kim Man-bae, the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management. It is also highly likely that Kim's prior work as a legal advisor in Seongnam City before his appointment will come under scrutiny. In response, Kim issued a statement through the Supreme Prosecutors' Office clarifying that "he is not related to the current Daejang-dong allegations."
On the other hand, the ruling party may focus its questions on the accusation referral allegations that occurred during former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's tenure. There may also be inquiries about Kim's stance on abolishing the Investigation Information Policy Office, which was problematic in the case.
Questions may also arise regarding the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations currently under investigation by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. There are suspicions that Kim Kun-hee, the wife of former Prosecutor General Yoon, is involved. Additionally, Kim's views on the Ministry of Justice's disciplinary action against former Prosecutor General Yoon, recently ruled on by the Administrative Court, may be sought.
Meanwhile, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee will conclude this year's parliamentary audit schedule with audits of the Ministry of Government Legislation and Military Court on the 19th and a comprehensive audit on the 21st.
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