Yoo Kyung-pil, Chief Prosecutor of the Economic Crime Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. / Photo by Legal Newspaper.
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] The chief prosecutor who oversaw the investigation of the Daejang-dong scandal and was effectively dismissed from his duties due to the so-called 'split dinner' controversy has completely denied allegations that he sought to join a law firm representing defendants in the Daejang-dong case after resigning.
On the 21st, Yoo Kyung-pil, chief prosecutor of the Economic Crime Criminal Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (age 51, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 33), stated in his resignation post on the internal prosecution network E-Pros, "Although a specific law firm has been mentioned, this is completely untrue."
In his resignation post, Chief Prosecutor Yoo said, "I am now preparing to leave the prosecution, which I have grown fond of," adding, "I believed being a prosecutor was my calling and lived diligently focusing only forward, but now it seems the time has come to lay down this heavy burden."
He reflected, "Looking back, there were many rewarding moments because I was a prosecutor, but also many regrettable ones," and expressed, "I am truly sorry for causing great concern recently due to my thoughtless behavior."
He continued, "During this difficult time, I have done much self-reproach and reflection. It is entirely my responsibility."
Furthermore, Chief Prosecutor Yoo strongly denied the allegations raised in the media, stating, "Regarding my future career path, although a specific law firm has been mentioned, this is completely untrue. I have never considered, nor do I intend, to act in a way that would bring disrepute to my colleagues and seniors with whom I have worked."
Earlier, the Chosun Ilbo reported that ahead of the February regular personnel reshuffle, rumors spread that Chief Prosecutor Yoo, who had expressed his intention to resign, had sought employment at Law Firm A, which is representing one of the 'Daejang-dong Five.' This led prosecutors in the Economic Crime Criminal Division to visit him and demand an explanation.
The report also conveyed internal prosecution reactions that his joining a law firm defending defendants in the Daejang-dong case immediately after retirement would violate professional ethics, given that he had led the Economic Crime Criminal Division, the main unit of the Daejang-dong dedicated investigation team.
Chief Prosecutor Yoo became embroiled in controversy after holding a 'split dinner' at a barbecue restaurant near the prosecutors' office on the evening of November 4 last year, violating quarantine guidelines, shortly after arresting Kim Man-bae of Hwacheon Daeyu and lawyer Nam Wook, key figures in the Daejang-dong case, along with other prosecutors and investigators.
Immediately after the dinner, seven members of the investigation team, including Chief Prosecutor Yoo himself, tested positive for COVID-19, causing disruptions to the investigation. Ultimately, he was excluded from duties just two months after the investigation team was launched.
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