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South Korea: Ministry of Justice Suspends the Supreme Prosecutor
Breaking News Analysis: Ministry of Justice Suspends the Supreme Prosecutor
This is the first time in South Korean history that the Justice Minister suspended the Supreme Prosecutor from duty.
Published 24 November 2020
6 min read
By TK The Blue Roof
WHAT HAPPENED?
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae exercised her authority to suspend the Supreme Prosecutor Yun Seok-yeol, citing six allegations: (1) inappropriate meeting with Hong Seok-hyeon 홍석현, owner of JoongAng Ilbo 중앙일보, a major conservative newspaper; (2) illegal surveillance of the judges assigned for major cases; (3) obstruction of internal investigation against his closest subordinates; (4) strategically leaking information on pending investigations to the press; (5) obstruction of internal investigation against himself, and; (6) failure to maintain political neutrality. Yun, who was already recused from several cases involving himself and his close associates, is now entirely relieved of his duties as a result of the suspension. This is the first time in South Korean history that the Justice Minister suspended the Supreme Prosecutor from duty. Yun Seok-yeol is expected to file a court action challenging the suspension.
Among the six allegations, the newest and arguably the most serious allegation is the illegal surveillance of judges...
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae exercised her authority to suspend the Supreme Prosecutor Yun Seok-yeol, citing six allegations: (1) inappropriate meeting with Hong Seok-hyeon 홍석현, owner of JoongAng Ilbo 중앙일보, a major conservative newspaper; (2) illegal surveillance of the judges assigned for major cases; (3) obstruction of internal investigation against his closest subordinates; (4) strategically leaking information on pending investigations to the press; (5) obstruction of internal investigation against himself, and; (6) failure to maintain political neutrality. Yun, who was already recused from several cases involving himself and his close associates, is now entirely relieved of his duties as a result of the suspension. This is the first time in South Korean history that the Justice Minister suspended the Supreme Prosecutor from duty. Yun Seok-yeol is expected to file a court action challenging the suspension.
Among the six allegations, the newest and arguably the most serious allegation is the illegal surveillance of judges...
Much more in this excellent report:
https://www.blueroofpolitics.com/p/breaking-news-alert/
Much better report than the English language Korean press which typically adversely characterizes the actions of the Justice Minister and others associated with the Moon administration who favor prosecutorial reform, and implementation of a review board for corruption by the high government officials. There are six allegations of misconduct by Yoon, but if one considers the actions of his family, subordinates and political allies there are more instances of corruption related to the prosecution offices.
TK put this link up without the subscriber wall because of the importance of this story.