National Innovation Party Urges Bong Wook and Lee Jinsu to Clarify Current Stance on Prosecutorial Reform, Citing Past Opposition

The National Innovation Party has called on Bong Wook, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Presidential Office, and Lee Jinsu, Vice Minister of Justice?both appointed by President Lee Jaemyung?to clarify their current stance on prosecutorial reform, labeling them as "those who have previously opposed prosecutorial reform."

Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President (center), is announcing the additional appointment of senior secretaries for President Lee Jae-myung on the 29th at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul. From the left, Jeon Sunghwan, Senior Secretary for Listening Integration, Chief Kang, and Bong Wook, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the National Innovation Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication center on the 30th, stating, "Given the past actions of Senior Secretary Bong and Vice Minister Lee, there are concerns about whether they are suitable figures for prosecutorial reform."

Seo pointed out, "In 2022, Senior Secretary Bong, together with former Prosecutors General Kim Sunam and Moon Mooil, issued a statement claiming that 'reducing prosecutorial investigative authority is detrimental to the protection of citizens' rights.' He also expressed opposition to the separation of investigation and indictment when he was considered for the position of Prosecutor General in 2019."

He continued, "Vice Minister Lee was also named as a representative when senior officials at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office released a statement asserting that 'investigation and indictment cannot be separated.' In particular, at the meeting of senior prosecutors at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in March, when Judge Ji Guyoun's panel released Yoon Sukyeol, he supported the release, which has allowed Yoon Sukyeol to still walk free today."

Seo emphasized, "Investigation and indictment by the prosecution must be separated," and urged, "Both individuals should clearly state their position on prosecutorial reform."

When asked how the party would respond if the two do not clarify their stance, Seo replied, "We will assess the situation and make a decision accordingly."

Lee Gyuwon, the National Innovation Party's strategy committee chair and a former prosecutor, stated, "We are compiling a list of so-called 'Yoon Geonhee prosecutors' who served the prosecutorial dictatorship," adding, "We plan to hold a related press conference soon and, if necessary, will submit the list to the Presidential Office."

Previously, former National Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk, in a prison letter reportedly written on the 27th, warned, "Pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Sukyeol) political prosecutors have remained in their positions even after the change of government. We must be wary of prosecutors who suddenly approach us expressing support for prosecutorial reform." This letter was made public on the 29th by Hwang Hyunseon, the party's secretary general, via Facebook.

Park Eunjeong, a National Innovation Party lawmaker and former prosecutor, wrote on her social media the previous day, "At a time when the nation is eager to bring an end to insurrection, achieve prosecutorial reform, and clear out pro-Yoon prosecutors, the appointment of a pro-Yoon prosecutor who served under the Yoon Sukyeol prosecutorial dictatorship as Vice Minister of Justice is concerning."