Ruling Party Says "Understanding Prosecution Culture Is Key to Reform" on Appointment of Former Prosecutor as Senior Civil Affairs Secretary

Some Voices Call for Caution

The ruling party has expressed hope that the appointment of Oh Gwangsu, a former prosecutor, as the new Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs will help complete the reform of the prosecution.

Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, is announcing the appointment of senior secretaries at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 8th, Lee Eonju, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, stated on her personal social media, "If the Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs does not understand the inner workings of the prosecution, it may be difficult to sense the organizational moves of the Prosecutor General and others, which could make reform challenging." She added, "Since the Senior Secretary's position is to assist the President and can be appointed or dismissed freely, there will not be a repeat of incidents like the one involving 'Prosecutor Yoon Seokyeol.'"

Seo Youngkyo, a Democratic Party lawmaker running for floor leader, told reporters at the National Assembly on the same day, "He has received positive evaluations for his abilities and his past," and added, "I believe he was appointed because he is deemed fully qualified for the role of Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs."

However, some within the broader ruling bloc have called for caution. Kim Yongmin, a Democratic Party lawmaker, wrote on social media, "I hope he takes on the role of Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs with a strong sense of responsibility to show that history does not repeat itself but progresses," and added, "I will maintain a healthy critical perspective and a sense of tension."

Hwang Unha, a lawmaker from the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, also commented on social media the previous day, "President Lee may confidently say, 'I will never be outmaneuvered by the prosecution,' but if he misjudges and regrets it later, it will be too late."

It has been reported that during a dinner the previous day between President Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party leadership, there was also discussion about the appointment of Oh and other aides. At the meeting, the Presidential Office reportedly expressed its intention to ensure that no issues of concern would arise regarding personnel appointments.

Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, also stated during the announcement of senior appointments on the same day, "We have confirmed Oh's commitment to judicial reform," and added, "We will make sure that none of the concerns raised by some will materialize."