[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Gu Bonseon (54, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 23), a research fellow at the Legal Research and Training Institute who served as the Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office assisting President Yoon Seok-yeol when he was Prosecutor General, announced his resignation on the 16th. Ahead of the appointment of Han Dong-hoon as Minister of Justice, his senior colleagues are gradually leaving the prosecution.
On the same day, Research Fellow Gu posted a message titled "Resignation Greeting" on the prosecution's internal network, stating, "I intend to conclude my 30 years of public service."
He said, "Many people are worried due to the legal amendments that citizens and legal professionals have expressed concerns about," and emphasized, "In any case, the purpose and fundamental principles of the prosecution system introduced into criminal procedures by human society must function properly." This was a reference to concerns about the 'Geomsu Wanbak' (complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority) law promulgated at the Cabinet meeting on the 3rd.
Research Fellow Gu added, "I will seek ways to fulfill the role of a public servant to protect citizens' rights and interests, centered on the newly formed leadership of the Ministry of Justice and prosecution," and urged, "I believe they will uphold fairness and neutrality as their lifeblood, never forget the fate of enduring any hardship, and fulfill their noble mission."
He also said, "I was fortunate to have the honorable opportunity to work in a position beyond my merit and received abundant benefits and love," and expressed deep gratitude by bowing his head to his colleagues who have been with him until today.
After completing the Judicial Research and Training Institute in 1994, Research Fellow Gu began his career as a prosecutor at the Northern Branch of the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office in 1997. He later served as a researcher at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, head of the Policy Planning Division, and spokesperson. Under the Moon Jae-in administration, he was promoted to Chief Prosecutor. In 2020, when President Yoon was Prosecutor General, he was promoted to High Prosecutor and served as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and Chief Prosecutor of the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office.
After President Yoon resigned as Prosecutor General, Gu was among the four candidates, including former Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo, considered at the Prosecutor General Candidate Recommendation Committee stage.
Prior to Research Fellow Gu, Park Sung-jin (59, class 24), Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Jo Jae-yeon (59, class 25), Chief Prosecutor of the Busan High Prosecutors' Office, and Kim Gwan-jung (58, class 26), Chief Prosecutor of the Suwon High Prosecutors' Office, also expressed their resignations again despite the Blue House rejecting their resignation letters.
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