"Beware of Prosecutors Who Suddenly Support Reform"

Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk claimed, "Prosecutors who are pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) are maintaining their positions even after the change of government," and "We must be cautious of prosecutors who suddenly express support for reforming the prosecution."

Cho's open letter from prison was released on the 29th.

In the letter made public by Hwang Hyun-seon, Secretary-General of the Innovation Party, Cho stated, "Soon, the Minister of Justice and the Chief of Civil Affairs of the Lee Jae-myung government will be announced. I hope the Lee Jae-myung government builds on the achievements of the Moon Jae-in administration's justice and prosecution reform while overcoming its limitations."

He went on to emphasize, "To achieve this, we must hold accountable those political prosecutors who have abused the prosecutorial authority and those prosecutors who have systematically resisted prosecution reform."

"Prosecutors in Kim Hak-eui and Ulsan Mayor Investigation Cases Retain Positions Despite Acquittals"

Cho pointed to those who led investigations and prosecutions against personnel from the Blue House and the executive branch during the Moon Jae-in administration, referring to cases that concluded with acquittals or suspended sentences.

He criticized, "The prosecutors who were in charge of investigations in the cases of the Kim Hak-eui travel ban, the Ulsan mayor election interference, and the decision to close the Wolseong nuclear power plant are maintaining their positions without any accountability."

This letter is reported to have been written on the 27th. Following reports earlier this month that former Chief Prosecutor Bong Wook and Chief Prosecutor Lee Jin-soo were likely to be appointed as Chief of Civil Affairs and Deputy Minister of Justice, respectively, analysts suggest that Cho left this message with these appointments in mind.

"Bong Wook Must Apologize for Responsibility in Kim Hak-eui Travel Ban Case"

New Chief of Civil Affairs Bong Wook was the Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office when he ordered an emergency travel ban on former Justice Minister Kim Hak-eui in 2019. He has since denied issuing such an order amid the ensuing controversy over the illegal travel ban.

However, according to the second trial verdict document obtained by The Hankyoreh, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 11-3 found, "It is clear that the defendant recognized the travel ban was carried out with the approval of the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."

Lee Kyu-won, a strategic committee member of the Innovation Party, criticized on Facebook the same day, stating, "If there were preemptive instructions from Bong Wook, as the court concluded, and if it is indeed illegal as the prosecution claims, the one who should be on trial is not me but Bong Wook," adding, "At least before receiving his appointment letter as Chief of Civil Affairs, it would be proper for him to apologize to me."

"Lee Jin-soo Also Involved in Yoon Seok-yeol's Release… Goes Against Reform Purpose"

Park Eun-jung, a member of the Innovation Party and a former prosecutor, also pointed out on Facebook, "Lee Jin-soo, appointed as Deputy Minister of Justice, was a key aide to Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung," stating, "When the meeting decided to abandon the immediate appeal against Yoon Seok-yeol's detention and opted for his release, Lee Jin-soo, as the head of the criminal department, was part of that meeting."

Park stated, "At a time when a reform of the prosecution that the public yearns for and a cleansing of pro-Yoon prosecutors are needed, it is concerning that prosecutors who served the Yoon Seok-yeol authoritarian regime are being appointed as Deputy Minister of Justice."

Cho's open letter from prison is anticipated to have notable repercussions concerning the Lee Jae-myung government's aims for prosecution reform and may impact future appointments within the Ministry of Justice and prosecution.

Image source: Former representative Cho Kuk, Innovation Party / News1, News1, Innovation Party Member Park Eun-jung / News1