Rebuilding Korea Party Meets with Justice Minister Chung Sungho
Calls for Inspection of Prosecutors Involved in Kim Keonhee Investigations
Demands for Abolition of Crime Information Unit and Continued Personnel Reform
The Rebuilding Korea Party has insisted on the need for an inspection of three incumbent prosecutors who investigated allegations surrounding Kim Keonhee, during a meeting with Justice Minister Chung Sungho.
On the 22nd, Kim Sunmin, acting leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, stated during the meeting with Minister Chung, "There are indications that incumbent prosecutors Choi Jaehun, Kim Kyungmok, and Kim Seungho were involved in the investigation related to Kim Keonhee." Kim added, "We ask that you immediately request a direct inspection by the Ministry of Justice regarding this matter." Kim further emphasized, "Now is the time to unite efforts for prosecutorial reform."
Prosecutor Choi Jaehun dismissed the indictment in the investigation into Kim Keonhee's alleged involvement in the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case. Prosecutors Kim Kyungmok and Kim Seungho also dismissed charges in the investigation into allegations concerning luxury handbags involving Kim Keonhee.
Additionally, Acting Leader Kim stated, "The Rebuilding Korea Party has reported former Prosecutor General Shim Woojung, former Seoul Central District Prosecutor Lee Changsoo, and former Central 4th Deputy Chief Cho Sangwon, who were part of the command line at the time, to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). We ask for your support to ensure a thorough investigation."
Kim continued, "While I agree that the principle of 'reward and punishment according to merit' was applied in the recent reshuffling of mid-level prosecutors, I still sense that some prosecutors who abused prosecutorial power under the previous administration remain in key positions. There is a need for continued personnel restructuring in future appointments." Kim reiterated, "Ongoing personnel reform is necessary in future appointments."
Kim also called for the abolition of the crime information collection unit within the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, in line with the direction of prosecutorial reform, specifically the separation of investigation and indictment functions.
Minister Chung responded, "The Ministry of Justice will carefully review the matters you raised and take appropriate actions where possible." However, regarding Kim Keonhee, he said, "I believe the recent appointments reflected this issue, but we need to see the outcome of the special prosecutor's investigation. If any misconduct by prosecutors is found, we will take appropriate measures."
It was also reported that, during the closed-door meeting, there was discussion about the need to reverse former Justice Minister Han Donghoon's decree restoring prosecutorial investigative authority.
Yoon Jaegwan, chief spokesperson for the Rebuilding Korea Party, stated, "Minister Chung agreed with this and said he had given instructions on specific measures." He added, "We also raised concerns about the misuse of special activity funds by prosecutors, and Minister Chung replied that he would disclose information in accordance with the intent of the court's ruling."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
