Interim Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok for the Time Being
"Cannot Blame Only the Changed Law"
Song Kyung-ho's Inaugural Speech Criticizes Complete Prosecution Reform
Kim Hu-gon "Efforts to Minimize Side Effects"
Acting Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok, the newly appointed Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, is answering questions from the press upon arriving at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 23rd. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyung-min and Heo Kyung-jun] "We will focus solely on the people." "We will minimize harm to the public."
The ‘Yoon Seok-yeol faction,’ which secured senior prosecutor positions, emphasized ‘the people’ on the first day of work on the 23rd after personnel appointments. This inaugural statement reflects their intention to stabilize the prosecution organization thrown into confusion ahead of the ‘complete removal of prosecution’s investigative authority (Geomsu Wanbak)’ and to win the hearts of the public through fair investigations and prosecutions.
Until the next Prosecutor General is appointed, the prosecution will operate under the ‘Acting Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok’ system. Lee, the newly appointed Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, said around 8:50 a.m. on his way to work, "There is no special secret to what the prosecution does," adding, "Although the law has changed again, creating a difficult environment, we cannot just blame the law." He continued, "We will focus solely on the people and serve them with sincerity in every case through investigation, prosecution, and trial. This is the only way to gain the public’s trust and confidence." He also said, "As Acting Prosecutor General, I will do my utmost to ensure that the prosecution faithfully fulfills its role in protecting the lives, safety, property, and fundamental rights of the people without any gaps until the new Prosecutor General takes office." Lee plans to focus on internal prosecution work rather than external events on this day. He stated, "Because the prosecution is in a difficult situation, I will focus on strengthening internal stability."
Song Kyung-ho, the newly appointed Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, directly criticized the ongoing Geomsu Wanbak and the separation of investigation and prosecution being pushed by the National Assembly in his inaugural speech. Regarding the Geomsu Wanbak bill set to be implemented in September, Song expressed concern that "the opportunity to wipe away the tears of wronged citizens is about to disappear." He said, "The drastic reduction in the scope of direct investigation of serious crimes and the misguided notion of separating investigation and prosecution are threatening to undermine the very essence of the prosecution system," adding, "There is considerable concern that the benefits will go to criminals with power and wealth, while the victims will be powerless citizens." He further stated, "It is time for us to fulfill our mission to minimize harm to the public and prevent the powerful from ruling above the law or hiding behind it," and "The Central District Prosecutors’ Office must become a fair and warm prosecution that upholds common sense."
With Song’s inauguration, the legal community anticipates a full-scale reinvestigation into allegations such as the ‘Daejang-dong urban development project favoritism and lobbying’ and the ‘Samsung Wellstory preferential treatment’ cases, which have so far failed to reveal the ‘upper echelons.’ Attention is also focused on how the case involving stock manipulation allegations related to Deutsche Motors, implicating First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol, will be handled. Some speculate that a written investigation of Mrs. Kim may soon take place. Song’s inaugural speech appears to signal an active investigation into these major cases.
Kim Hu-gon, the newly appointed Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office, known as ‘Non-Yoon (Bi-Yoon),’ said, "In the past month, there have been urgent legislative changes with several issues in the procedures and content," adding, "We must make various efforts to improve and supplement these laws and minimize problems caused by their enforcement by using the wisdom of all members." He stated, "Even if the law has problems, since it has been passed, we must enforce it but strive to minimize side effects," and predicted, "Responding to the changed work system cannot be achieved by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and the Ministry of Justice alone; practical improvements will come when the awareness of frontline prosecutors is reflected." He asked frontline prosecutors to actively voice their concerns.
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