Prosecutor General Sim Woojung Voluntarily Resigns... Prosecution Shaken by Leadership Vacuum

Prosecution insiders:
"Resignation was expected,
but no clear message given"

Supreme Prosecutor Shim Woojung is responding to reporters' questions on the way to work at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on March 10, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongju

Prosecutor General Sim Woojung voiced concerns over the 'prosecution reform' being promoted by the Lee Jaemyung administration and voluntarily stepped down. This comes just nine months after taking office.

On the 1st, Prosecutor General Sim released a statement saying, "Considering various circumstances, stepping down from my position now is the last responsibility I must fulfill." He added, "The criminal justice system is directly linked to the basic rights of all citizens, including life, physical safety, and property." He further stated, "If reforms are pushed forward with predetermined deadlines and conclusions, many unforeseen side effects could arise. A criminal justice system that truly serves the people should be created by thoroughly listening to a wide range of opinions, including those of field experts, and engaging in in-depth discussions." Known within the prosecution as a leading figure in planning and strategy, Sim previously served as Director General for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Justice under the Moon Jaein administration, and held key positions such as Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and Vice Minister of Justice during the Yoon Seokyoul administration.

In addition, with Lee Jindong, the Deputy Prosecutor General and the second-in-command at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, also expressing his intention to resign, the prosecution has been thrown into turmoil. Traditionally, when the Prosecutor General resigns, the Deputy Prosecutor General steps in to stabilize the organization, but this precedent is not being followed. With both the Prosecutor General and the Deputy Prosecutor General stepping down simultaneously, internal confusion within the organization is expected to continue for the time being. On the same day, senior prosecutors appointed during the Yoon Seokyoul administration?including Shin Eungseok, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office; Yang Seokjo, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office; and Byun Pilgeon, Director General for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Justice?also resigned en masse.

There is also criticism within the prosecution that the Prosecutor General tendered a 'quiet resignation' without delivering a clear message of criticism regarding prosecution reform. One chief prosecutor said, "Since he was appointed by the previous administration, his resignation was somewhat expected, but leaving quietly without any significant message does not seem right. Most prosecutors are expressing bewilderment."

With Sim stepping down just over nine months after taking office and failing to complete his term, he has become the 16th Prosecutor General to leave office before the end of his term since the law guaranteeing a two-year term for Prosecutor Generals was enacted in December 1988.