Internal Whistleblowing on "Investigation Interference" by Senior Prosecutors at the National Assembly
Moon Ji-seok, Chief Prosecutor at the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office, has been named a recipient of this year's Whistleblower Award.
Moon Ji-seok, a prosecutor at the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office, is responding to a lawmaker's question at the 2025 National Assembly inspection held by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on October 23. Photo by Yonhap News
On December 9, the Whistleblower Foundation, which supports public interest whistleblowers, announced that three teams have been selected for the 2025 Whistleblower Award. Among them is Chief Prosecutor Moon, who exposed undue external pressure from his superiors during the investigation into unpaid wages for Coupang daily workers.
Other recipients include Professor Kim Dohyung of Dankook University, who revealed the true nature of the pseudo-religious group JMS (Jesus Morning Star, also known as Christian Gospel Mission) and testified about its victims, and Kim Somang (pseudonym), who reported animal abuse and illegal experiments at Maple and Hubet Co., Ltd.
Prosecutor Moon Jiseok appeared as a witness at the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment, and Employment Labor Committee's audit of the Ministry of Employment and Labor held on October 15 in Yeouido, Seoul, and was shedding tears while answering questions related to Coupang Fulfillment Service (CFS). Photo by Yonhap News
Earlier, Chief Prosecutor Moon disclosed during a National Assembly audit that there had been external pressure from senior prosecutors to influence the Coupang investigation. Appearing as a witness at the National Assembly's Climate, Environment, Energy, and Labor Committee audit in October, Moon claimed that higher-ranking prosecutors had forced the Coupang Fulfillment Service (CFS) unpaid severance case to be dismissed without charges.
The Bucheon branch of the Central Regional Employment and Labor Office referred the CFS unpaid severance case to prosecutors with a recommendation to indict Coupang in January. However, the Bucheon branch of the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office decided not to indict in April, citing a lack of evidence.
Chief Prosecutor Moon shed tears, stating, "I hope that public officials who committed illegal acts will receive appropriate punishment."
The 'Whistleblower Award' is presented annually to individuals or organizations who report in the public interest, encouraging conscientious whistleblowing and contributing to the democratic development of society. This year marks the 14th presentation of the award since its inception in 2012.
Lee Younggi, Chairman of the Whistleblower Foundation, said, "Since last year's martial law, there have been many significant whistleblowing cases that have impacted our entire society. The dedication of whistleblowers who have shown courage despite personal disadvantages will serve as a foundation for a fair society, and the Whistleblower Foundation will always stand with them."
The award ceremony will be held on December 12 at the Seoul Bar Association Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
