[Exclusive] Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo Plans 'Retirement Ceremony'... Internal Prosecution Comments "Is It a Feast at a Mourning House?"

Resigned President-elect Yoon on 검수완박, left without retirement ceremony when Prosecutor General resigned
Prosecutors inside complain, "How can there be a retirement ceremony after ruining the organization like this?"
Kim Oh-soo: "I will never hold a retirement ceremony... just waiting for the resignation to be accepted"

Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo held a press conference at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 25th of last month, expressing his position regarding the compromise proposal on the complete removal of prosecution investigation powers agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] It has been reported that Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo is pushing forward with plans for an official retirement ceremony amid the so-called ‘complete prosecution reform bill’ being approved at the Cabinet meeting. President Moon Jae-in has not yet accepted Kim’s resignation.

According to a compilation of Asia Economy’s coverage on the 4th, discussions about Kim’s retirement ceremony are underway within the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. There was talk of holding the ceremony on the 6th, but the exact date has not been finalized. Inside the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, there is reportedly a sentiment against holding Kim’s retirement ceremony. Within the prosecution, criticism has arisen, saying it is like “throwing a party at a funeral.”

In a phone call with this outlet, Kim stated, “I will absolutely not hold a retirement ceremony,” adding, “I never requested one; I will just stop by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office on my last day to say goodbye.”

He also explained, “I am just waiting for my resignation to be accepted,” and said, “What kind of retirement ceremony could there be at a time like this? I will absolutely not hold one.”

Previously, President-elect Yoon Seok-youl, who opposed the complete prosecution reform during his tenure as Prosecutor General and voluntarily resigned, did not hold an official retirement ceremony. At that time, the heads of the Financial and Economic Crime Investigation Division and Supreme Prosecutors’ Office staff all came out to the main entrance to see President-elect Yoon off, substituting for a retirement ceremony.

On the front lines, strong reactions are emerging regarding the possibility of Kim’s retirement ceremony being held. Prosecutor A said, “How can he hold a retirement ceremony after leaving the organization in such a state?” and added, “Once his resignation is accepted, it would be appropriate for him to leave quietly.”