Kim Young-bae: Withdrawing Appeal in Daejang-dong Case is a Prosecutor's Insurrection, No External Pressure from Lee Jae-myung
Democratic Party of Korea Representative Kim Young-bae's strong criticism of the prosecution's decision to withdraw its appeal in the Daejang-dong case as 'an insurrection by political prosecutors yearning for power' is expected to escalate the controversy. Representative Kim asserted that there was no external pressure from President Lee Jae-myung.
Appearing on YTN radio's 'Kim Jun-woo's News Front' on November 11, Representative Kim strongly criticized the recent controversy surrounding the prosecution's withdrawal of its appeal in the Daejang-dong case, defining it as 'an insurrection by political prosecutors yearning for power.' Kim questioned the prosecution's decision, claiming there was a political motive behind it.
Kim specifically pointed out that Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho stated that he 'did not receive a report' about the Daejang-dong appeal withdrawal and asserted that there would have been no external pressure from President Lee Jae-myung. He expressed strong disbelief in the external pressure theory, saying, 'If there had been external pressure from President Lee Jae-myung, would Minister Chung Sung-ho have been able to condone such a decision?'
Representative Kim's remarks are reigniting the debate over the prosecution's independence and political neutrality. The prosecution has consistently maintained its position that no political pressure existed during the Daejang-dong case investigation. However, Representative Kim's claims raise questions about the fairness of the prosecution's investigation, further fueling the controversy.
Kim criticized the prosecution's decision to withdraw the appeal as an act that betrays public expectations and emphasized that the prosecution should investigate according to the law and principles without political considerations. Kim strongly criticized, 'The prosecution's withdrawal of the appeal is a clear dereliction of duty, and it is an act that betrays public expectations.' He emphasized, 'The prosecution must investigate according to the law and principles only, without political considerations,' urging a change in the prosecution's attitude.
Representative Kim Young-bae's remarks are expected to reignite the controversy surrounding the Daejang-dong case appeal withdrawal. Sharp confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties is expected on this issue, and attention is focused on its impact on the future political situation. The opposition party is criticizing the prosecution's appeal withdrawal as an attempt to downsize the investigation while paying attention to the current administration, while the ruling party is maintaining its position that the prosecution's independent judgment should be respected.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has not yet issued an official statement regarding Representative Kim Young-bae's claims.
However, it is reported that voices are rising within the prosecution strongly objecting to Representative Kim's remarks, saying that they seriously damage the reputation of the prosecution. The prosecution is expected to respond cautiously to this controversy, collect internal opinions, and announce an official position.
The Daejang-dong case is a suspected preferential treatment case that arose in connection with the Daejang-dong development project promoted when Lee Jae-myung was the mayor of Seongnam. The prosecution indicted several people in connection with this case, but the controversy has intensified recently with the withdrawal of the appeal for some defendants. Various interpretations are emerging from political and legal circles regarding the background and intentions behind this appeal withdrawal decision.
In political circles, suspicion of the prosecution's political intentions is widespread regarding this appeal withdrawal controversy. The opposition party is intensifying its attacks, criticizing the prosecution for downsizing the investigation while paying attention to the current administration, while the ruling party is maintaining its position that the prosecution's independent judgment should be respected and is defending against the attacks.
Amid this situation, Representative Kim Young-bae's remarks are expected to once again emphasize the need for prosecution reform. Representative Kim argued, 'The prosecution must actively engage in reform to restore public trust' and urged the prosecution to reflect on itself. He emphasized that internal reform is essential for the prosecution to liquidate past malpractices and be reborn as an institution trusted by the public.
Representative Kim's remarks are expected to further intensify the demand for reform within the prosecution. This controversy is expected to have a greater impact on the prosecution's future investigation process. Attention is focused on whether the prosecution can firmly maintain its political neutrality and meet public expectations. The prosecution should use this situation as an opportunity to increase the transparency of the investigation process and strengthen communication with the public, making efforts to restore trust.
Representative Kim Young-bae stated that he will continue to closely monitor the prosecution's behavior and will actively raise issues if necessary. He emphasized that if the prosecution acts in a way that betrays public expectations, parliamentary monitoring and checks will be strengthened. Representative Kim's will is expected to further fuel the discussion on prosecution reform.
