Controversy Over Prosecutor General 'Passing' Despite Central District Prosecutor's Office Explanation
Democratic Party Unites in Calling for "Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Act"
The prosecution's decision to summon Mrs. Kim Geon-hee, who was accused of receiving luxury bags and involved in the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, to be investigated at a 'third location' instead of at the prosecution office has sparked significant backlash.
Lee Won-seok, the Prosecutor General, who was caught up in a 'passing over' controversy after it was revealed that he was not given prior notice of Mrs. Kim's investigation, apologized to the public on the 22nd, stating, "The principle of an investigation without sanctuary was not upheld."
Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok is answering questions from waiting reporters on his way to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-dong, Seoul, on the 22nd.
That morning, Lee met with reporters on his way to work and said, "I have repeatedly told the public that there are no exceptions, privileges, or sanctuaries before our law," adding, "However, during the investigation of the president's wife, this principle was not upheld, and as a result, we failed to keep our promise to the people."
He continued, "Although I did not receive any reports from the frontline prosecution offices, I take full responsibility for not properly leading those offices," and said, "This is entirely my responsibility. I deeply apologize to the public."
When asked about criticism regarding 'passing over the Prosecutor General' due to being notified only after the investigation was completed, he replied, "I am scheduled to receive a direct report from the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office today," and added, "After understanding the facts, I will take the necessary corresponding measures."
Regarding questions about his position, he retorted, "I started working as the acting Prosecutor General on May 23, 2022, when I was the Deputy Prosecutor General at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. Today marks exactly 2 years and 2 months. Having served as Prosecutor General for 2 years and 2 months, what regrets or attachments would I have about this position?"
He added, "However, since I promised to uphold the people and constitutional principles, I will do my best in what I can do, and if that is insufficient, I will then consider my position."
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Division 1 (Chief Prosecutor Kim Seung-ho) and Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2 (Chief Prosecutor Choi Jae-hoon), which are investigating Mrs. Kim's luxury bag receipt allegations and Deutsche Motors stock manipulation involvement respectively, conducted a face-to-face investigation of Mrs. Kim on the 20th at the Presidential Security Service annex building in Changseong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
The previous day, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced that Mrs. Kim was summoned and investigated at a government security building within the jurisdiction of the Central District Prosecutors' Office, a 'third location,' citing issues related to the first lady's security. However, inside and outside the prosecution, there was speculation that President Yoon Seok-yeol ultimately did not approve Mrs. Kim's appearance at the prosecution office, leaving the prosecution with no choice but to make this decision.
Given that Prosecutor General Lee had repeatedly emphasized 'investigations based on principles' regarding Mrs. Kim's case and that there was a strong internal consensus within the investigation team that a summons for Mrs. Kim was inevitable, this decision is widely interpreted as reflecting the intentions of the Yongsan Presidential Office.
The prosecution cited security and safety concerns as reasons, but since former presidents and family members of sitting presidents, who are also security subjects, have previously appeared directly at the prosecution for investigations, many view these reasons as mere pretexts.
A former prosecutor recently commented, "President Yoon became president backed by an organization," and said, "I cannot understand why someone who became president through principled investigations would show such behavior."
Another controversy arose because Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Chief Lee Chang-soo did not report in advance to the Prosecutor General that Mrs. Kim would be investigated at a third location. The Central District Prosecutors' Office explained the previous day that while Mrs. Kim's investigation regarding the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case was definitely scheduled, the Prosecutor General's investigative command authority was excluded, so it was not a matter for reporting. Regarding the luxury bag receipt case, the investigation was still uncertain, so prior reporting was not possible.
However, since it is difficult to summon and investigate the first lady multiple times, if the decision was made to investigate Mrs. Kim at a third location, it was highly likely that the luxury bag receipt investigation would also proceed, so the Supreme Prosecutors' Office believes prior reporting to the Prosecutor General should have been made.
After completing the investigation of Mrs. Kim, the prosecution is expected to soon conclude the investigations of the two reported cases and issue dispositions. Since there are no applicable punishment provisions for the luxury bag case and the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case is also likely to be dismissed by the prosecution, there is speculation that this choice by the prosecution will provide momentum for the opposition party's push for the president's impeachment and the dismantling of the prosecution.
Immediately, the Democratic Party emphasized the need to introduce a special prosecutor law related to the investigation method of Mrs. Kim, arguing that it was inappropriate.
Park Chan-dae, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "We will strictly investigate the allegations against Mrs. Kim with the authority of the National Assembly," and added, "We will expedite the passage of the special prosecutor law." He also fiercely criticized, "The excuse of security and safety issues feels pathetic, and the arrogance and urgency are felt in the way even the Prosecutor General was passed over."
Jeong Cheong-rae, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said, "Since when did prosecutors become on-call service providers?" and added, "When President Yoon's impeachment petition hearing is held, I, as the chairman of the National Assembly Judiciary Committee, cannot go on a business trip." He then said, "At the hearing on the 26th, Mrs. Kim should appear as a witness at the National Assembly."
Kim Yong-min, the senior deputy floor leader and a member of the Judiciary Committee, also stated, "Even if the prosecution dismisses the case, it does not hinder the special prosecutor from reinvestigating," and added, "We will definitely push through the special prosecutor. The hearing cannot be avoided either."
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