This Prosecutor General: "'Pro-Yoon Prosecutor' Is a Political Term... Cannot Agree"
Attention on Appointments for Vacant 1st to 4th Deputy Chiefs at Central District Prosecutors' Office... Possible Action as Early as Next Week
Lee Chang-soo, the newly appointed head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, stated on the 16th that the investigation into First Lady Kim Geon-hee will be "properly and thoroughly conducted according to law and principles."
Lee Chang-soo, the newly appointed Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, is answering reporters' questions as he arrives at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office building on the 16th. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@
On his first day at work that morning, Lee told reporters this. When asked, "The Prosecutor General has ordered a swift investigation; how will you proceed?" he replied, "I will do my utmost to ensure that, in consultation with the Prosecutor General, a proper judgment is made that reflects the substance and gravity of the case."
Regarding the possibility of summoning First Lady Kim for questioning, he said, "It is difficult to discuss specific details, but I will quickly grasp the situation and take all necessary measures for the investigation."
Currently, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office is investigating allegations related to First Lady Kim's receipt of luxury handbags. Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok instructed the investigation team earlier this month to add three prosecutors and swiftly conclude the case. Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2 is investigating allegations of First Lady Kim's involvement in stock manipulation of Deutsche Motors.
Lee drew a clear line, stating he does not agree with being labeled as 'Pro-Yoon (Pro-Yoon Seok-yeol).' He said, "I do not agree with terms used in political circles," and added, "I was assigned here at the Central District Prosecutors' Office as a rookie prosecutor 23 years ago. I want to emphasize that I have tried my best throughout my 23 years as a prosecutor."
Regarding speculation that the Central District Prosecutors' Office might investigate the preferential hiring allegations involving Seo, the son-in-law of former President Moon Jae-in, at Thai Starjet, Lee said, "This is not a matter I can decide alone." The preferential hiring allegations at Thai Starjet were investigated by Lee when he was the head of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, until just before his appointment as head of the Central District Prosecutors' Office.
Concerns have been raised that recent sudden personnel changes, which left the positions of the first to fourth deputy prosecutors at the Central District Prosecutors' Office vacant, have effectively halted major ongoing investigations, including those related to First Lady Kim, presidential election opinion manipulation allegations, and the Democratic Party's party convention cash envelope scandal.
In response, Lee said, "I cannot comment on personnel matters, but I intend to take all necessary measures to ensure that investigations are not hindered," adding, "For any case, I will promptly reach a reasonable conclusion based solely on evidence and legal principles, without wavering, and in accordance with the substance of the case."
The Ministry of Justice is conducting recruitment for high-ranking prosecutors (deputy heads and chiefs) and dispatched prosecutors until the 17th, and has sent personnel verification consent forms to the 34th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, who are eligible for promotion to deputy prosecutors. It is expected that promotions and transfers for deputy heads and chiefs will take place as early as next week or by the end of this month at the latest.
The biggest point of interest is who will be appointed as the first and fourth deputy heads of the Central District Prosecutors' Office to work closely with Lee and lead sensitive investigations such as those involving First Lady Kim. Within the prosecution, it is analyzed that the appointments for the first and fourth deputy heads will come from the 32nd to 33rd classes of the Judicial Research and Training Institute.
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