A 38-Year Acquaintance of Lee Pledges Fair Performance of Duties
On Conflict of Interest Concerns: "I Will Offer Candid Advice"
Justice Minister nominee Jung Sungho stated that it is "difficult to answer" regarding the dismissal of charges in President Lee Jaemyung's trial, ahead of the confirmation hearing scheduled for the 16th. Although Jung recently argued that "dismissal of charges is appropriate," he avoided giving a specific answer ahead of the confirmation hearing.
On the 14th, in written answers submitted to the office of People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jinwoo for the confirmation hearing, Jung responded to the question, "As Minister of Justice, do you plan to instruct the prosecution to dismiss the charges or exercise substantial influence?" by saying, "As the nominee for Minister of Justice, I have not yet been briefed on specific or individual cases, so it is difficult for me to answer." He gave the same response to the question, "Dismissal of charges is an extremely exceptional procedure under current law. Do you believe applying this to the president's trial is consistent with the principle of the rule of law?"
Previously, three days before being nominated as Minister of Justice, Jung stated during a university lecture on June 26, "The public chose the president knowing that the trial was ongoing," and asserted, "Dismissal of charges is appropriate."
Currently, among President Lee's five trials, three?including the Daejang-dong and North Korea remittance cases?have been suspended at the first trial stage. The prosecution can request the court to dismiss the charges, effectively terminating these trials.
When asked about the necessity of pardoning former Cho Kuk Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk or former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Peace Lee Hwayoung, Jung replied, "Under the Constitution, the power of pardon is the exclusive authority of the president, so it is difficult for me to comment on whether or how it should be exercised." Previously, Jung had appeared on a radio program and stated, "Setting aside political considerations, the sentences received by former leader Cho and his family were excessively harsh and unbalanced," expressing the need for a pardon for Cho.
In response to lawmaker Joo's question about a potential conflict of interest due to his personal relationship with President Lee, Jung said, "As a cabinet member, I will continue to offer candid advice when necessary and perform my duties fairly, just as I do now."
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