Legislation Committee Descends Into Chaos Again Amid Shouting... Tensions Rise Over Coupang Case Questioning of Moon Jiseok

As Questioning of Moon Jiseok on the "Coupang Case" Drags On, Opposition Protests
Opposition Voices Discontent Over Proceedings... Chu Mi-ae Announces "Suspension of Audit"

The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee audit on October 23 once again descended into chaos as ruling and opposition lawmakers exchanged heated words. The morning session of the audit was dominated by questions directed at Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon Jiseok, who had raised suspicions of external pressure regarding the non-indictment decision in the Coupang severance pay case, leading People Power Party lawmakers to express dissatisfaction with the way the meeting was being conducted.

Yonhap News Agency

During the committee audit held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the morning of the same day, Chu Mi-ae, the committee chair from the Democratic Party of Korea, declared, "Due to the loud shouting and disruption of proceedings by Assembly members Na Kyung-won and Song Seok-jun of the People Power Party, I am announcing a suspension of the session as it is impossible to continue."

The disruption began as questions from ruling party lawmakers such as Seo Young-kyo, Jeon Hyun-hee, and Kim Yong-min toward Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon, who appeared as a witness, became prolonged. Since Moon had to leave after the morning session for a hospital appointment, ruling party lawmakers continued their relay of questions. Previously, on October 15, Moon appeared as a witness at the committee audit and raised suspicions that the Bucheon District Prosecutors' Office's decision not to indict Coupang in the severance pay case was influenced by external pressure from the prosecution's leadership.

When former Assembly member Jeon asked, "What do you think about the Supreme Prosecutors' Office conducting an on-site inspection at the Bucheon District Prosecutors' Office after this case became controversial?" Moon replied, "It is truly heartbreaking." He added, "At the end of the investigation, I was asked if I had anything more to say, so I submitted a handwritten statement. I wrote, 'I am so aggrieved that I feel as if I could cough up blood and die. Please reveal exactly who was at fault in this case,'" his voice trembling with emotion.

Assemblyman Kim called Eom Hee-jun, then chief prosecutor at Bucheon and now at the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office, to the podium and asked, "Did you ever give guidelines to the lead prosecutor?" Eom replied, "No," and explained, "The lead prosecutor said the Coupang case was difficult, so I told him to handle it quickly." Kim then presented a text message that the lead prosecutor sent to Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon, pointing out, "The message clearly states 'Coupang - non-indictment.' The lead prosecutor is reporting that you (Eom) instructed him to clear Coupang of charges."

When Eom requested a chance to respond, Kim immediately turned to Moon to verify the facts. Moon stated, "I believe Chief Eom Hee-jun is engaging in wordplay to avoid perjury charges," implying that Eom was trying to evade responsibility.

After using up his allotted 10 minutes for primary questioning, Kim continued his inquiries by taking 3 minutes from the afternoon supplementary questioning session. This prompted complaints from People Power Party members. Assemblyman Shin Dong-wook said, "I also think Deputy Chief Prosecutor Moon did the right thing," but added, "But is there any reason we have to listen to all of this?" raising his voice.

Chair Chu warned, "If you keep talking, we cannot proceed with the meeting," and advised Moon, "Even if the chamber is noisy, the public can hear your voice through the microphone, so please remain calm and continue speaking."

Moon stated, "My authority to make decisions and handle matters was stripped from me simply because I requested a search and seizure warrant in the Coupang case," and added, "In the Supreme Prosecutors' Office report on the case, the deputy chief prosecutor insisted that the search and seizure results be included, but the lead prosecutor removed them on his own judgment. No junior prosecutor at any district office in the country would be able to do that."

Moon further explained that although he did not record the conversation, when he asked the lead prosecutor, "Shouldn't the search and seizure results obtained by the Labor Office be included?" he was told, "The chief prosecutor instructed me to leave them out." He added, "If you believe I am lying, I am willing to give up my right to a substantive review if an arrest warrant for perjury is requested against me here and now."

People Power Party lawmakers continued to protest during Moon's remarks. Assemblyman Song asked, "How many minutes have passed?" and also told Moon, "Witness, please regain your composure," expressing his opposition.

Even after Chair Chu announced the suspension of the session, Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won said, "People Power Party lawmakers stopped making procedural remarks," and questioned, "What kind of behavior is this?" Assemblyman Song also pointed out, "Speaking time should be distributed fairly."