Korea Innovation Party: "Commitment, Resolve, Expertise, and Leadership Considered"
Yoon Jaegwan, spokesperson for the Korea Innovation Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly's Press Center that afternoon and announced the list of special prosecutor candidates. He stated, "All three are current or former members of the judiciary, prosecution, or military legal corps and are individuals who meet the public's expectations. They align with the public's desire for the resolution of the insurrection issue and possess the investigative capabilities to realize that goal."
Regarding the principles for recommending special prosecutors, the Korea Innovation Party considered four criteria, according to spokesperson Yoon: a firm commitment to resolving the insurrection issue and reform, a resolute character that rejects external pressure and solicitations, investigative expertise and proven competence that can reassure the public, and leadership to direct prosecutors and investigators.
Yoon emphasized, "We expect the special prosecutors to restore delayed justice through swift and decisive investigations and appropriate punishment."
When a reporter pointed out after the briefing that former Director Han lacks experience leading a large-scale investigation team, Yoon responded, "He has extensive experience in the judiciary and as Director of Inspection at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. Under the Special Prosecutor Act, several assistant special prosecutors can be appointed. If these positions are filled with capable former prosecutors, we believe their skills can complement each other."
Han, the special prosecutor candidate for the insurrection case, led inspections into the Channel A media-prosecution collusion case, the alleged manipulation of indictments, and the perjury coaching case involving former Prime Minister Han Myeongsook during former President Yoon Sukyeol's tenure as Prosecutor General. He also testified when former President Yoon was referred to the Ministry of Justice's disciplinary committee as Prosecutor General, standing in opposition.
Regarding suggestions that former Chief Prosecutor Shim had clashed with former President Yoon, spokesperson Lee Gyuwon stated, "Rather than personal episodes, we focused on his experience as Director of the Anti-Corruption Department at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and, since securities crime investigations are included among the cases, his experience as Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, which is responsible for such investigations." Spokesperson Yoon added, "He is well aware that investigations cannot be conducted based on personal relationships, which is why he was selected as a suitable candidate."
Former Chief Prosecutor Shim also confronted former President Yoon, who was then Prosecutor General, by leading the investigation into the family of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. In 2021, he appeared as a witness in the lawsuit seeking to overturn former President Yoon's disciplinary action as Prosecutor General and stated, "(Yoon) is not qualified to serve as Prosecutor General."
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