Lee Jeong-hyun, the acting Prosecutor General, directly criticized the prosecution's excessive investigative practices by referencing past comments made by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
During a national assembly hearing on the prosecution's office held on October 22 in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee recalled Yoon's remarks regarding the handling of cases lacking remorse or confession. When asked by Seo Young-kyo, chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, about Yoon's receipt of funds while in custody and the punishment for insurrection charges, Lee reflected on Yoon's tenure as Prosecutor General.
"I still remember the former Prosecutor General saying that cases that are ambiguous and lack remorse or confession should be prosecuted, leading to trials lasting three to five years, causing material, economic, and psychological suffering," Lee stated.
He added, "In that context, I wonder if various cases have unfolded and if 'dusting off' investigations have occurred. I pledge not to repeat past mistakes through deep reflection, as expressed in the past National Assembly Special Committee." Lee served as the head of the Public Investigation Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office when Yoon was Prosecutor General in 2021.
In subsequent questioning, Lee acknowledged issues with the prosecution's investigation into former President Moon Jae-in. Responding to a query from Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sang-yoon regarding the investigation by the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office into Moon, Lee remarked, "It seems like a bone-extracting investigation."
Lawmaker Lee pointed out that the prosecution had contacted the elderly mother of Moon's former son-in-law multiple times and even visited a bathhouse, warning her that "covering for your son-in-law could lead to serious trouble," which he characterized as stalking behavior.
In response, Lee emphasized that a profound apology and reflection on past wrongful investigative practices are necessary for reform, criticizing the prosecution's conduct. The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office indicted Moon on bribery charges last April, with the case set for a jury trial in January 2027.
Lee also addressed the situation of Park Sang-yong, a deputy chief prosecutor at the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office, who continued political activities while under suspension.
Lawmaker Son Sol from the Justice Party criticized Park for participating in over 35 political events and YouTube broadcasts after being suspended in April for violating job duties related to a North Korean remittance case, suggesting the need for a criminal investigation. Lee responded, "This is inappropriate conduct for a public official," and assured that appropriate measures would be taken after thoroughly verifying the facts through an investigation.
In response to concerns raised by People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun regarding the Prosecutor General's attendance at Cabinet meetings potentially compromising political neutrality, Lee stated, "I will convey these concerns."
When Yoon reiterated that the Prosecutor General's presence at Cabinet meetings could exert pressure on maintaining prosecutions, Lee clarified, "I have never mentioned specific cases in Cabinet meetings, nor do I intend to in the future." However, he added that he would communicate the concerns about potential violations of fairness and neutrality to the Ministry of Justice.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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