Sim Woo-jung, Prosecutor General Nominee, "First Lady Case, Will Uphold Principles According to Law"

Nomination of Candidate by President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 11th
Regarding Mrs. Kim's Favoritism Controversy: "I Believe It Is Being Handled According to Law and Principles"
"Maintaining Political Neutrality While Working Is the Most Important"

Prosecutor General nominee Shim Woo-jung stated, "The prosecution will do its best together with all members to fulfill its mission and role of protecting the basic rights of the people and realizing justice, so that it can gain the trust of the public."

On the 11th, Shim was nominated as the new Prosecutor General by President Yoon Seok-yeol. On the same day, he met with reporters at the Government Complex Gwacheon and emphasized, "It is important to fulfill the inherent role of establishing the rule of law to gain the trust of the people."

Shim Woo-jung, the new nominee for Prosecutor General, is greeting after delivering remarks and answering questions in front of the Ministry of Justice building in Gwacheon on the 11th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked how he would lead the investigation into the cases involving former and current first ladies being handled by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, he said, "It is most important that the law and principles are upheld based on evidence and legal reasoning," adding, "I will lead the members well to ensure that this can be done."

Regarding the controversy over special treatment related to the prosecution's investigation of President Yoon's spouse, Kim Geon-hee, at a third location, he said, "It does not seem appropriate to comment on specific cases," but added, "I believe the prosecution members are conducting their work according to the law and principles."

When further asked how he evaluates Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok's remark that "there is neither special treatment nor sanctuary before the law" in relation to Kim's investigation, he responded, "It is natural that the law and principles must be upheld in any investigation, and I share the same position," adding, "However, I will do my best so that prosecution members can confidently carry out their duties with such trust in the future."

When asked whether he would consider restoring the authority to lead the investigation into the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case involving Kim, he replied, "Since I was just nominated today, it is not appropriate to comment on specific matters."

Regarding how he plans to establish relations with the Presidential Office, he said, "It is most important for the prosecution to work while maintaining political neutrality, and the role and responsibility of the Prosecutor General are significant in achieving that," adding, "I will do my best."

When asked about his stance on investigations related to the ruling party, which often occur during the latter half of an administration, he only responded, "It is important to maintain political neutrality and independence and to conduct investigations based on evidence and legal reasoning while upholding the law and principles."

On the Democratic Party's push for the impeachment of prosecutors, Shim said, "There are certainly parts where the prosecution has not performed properly, so we will respond well."

When asked how he would respond to the Democratic Party's proposal to abolish the prosecution office, he said, "Such a system is important to ensure that justice is upheld in the criminal justice process," adding, "We will respond in a way that protects the people and ensures the system operates properly."

Regarding the issue of investigation delays, he said, "Delays in investigations and trials are very serious problems and cause direct harm to the public. Once inaugurated, I will promptly promote measures to resolve this."

Shim said, "I will consider how to lead the prosecution so that its members can work with pride and confidence."