Opposition Parties File Complaint Against Prosecutors Over 'Appeal Abandonment' Protest

Members of the Democratic Party of Korea, the Rebuilding Korea Party, and independent lawmakers aligned with the opposition have filed a complaint with the police against 18 prosecutors, including Park Jae-eok, head of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, for allegedly violating the National Public Service Act in connection with the abandonment of an appeal in the Daejang-dong case. They assert that this decision to drop the appeal constitutes unlawful 'collective insubordination' that goes beyond a mere difference of opinion.

The lawmakers who filed the complaint allege that Park Jae-eok and others did not follow legitimate instructions from within the prosecution service, arguing that their actions constitute a violation of the duties outlined in the National Public Service Act. The National Public Service Act stipulates that public officials must obey the legitimate orders of their superiors in the performance of their duties.

The lawmakers expressed concerns that the independence of the prosecution service could be severely compromised by this situation. They emphasized that the prosecution's independence must be protected from political pressure and undue interference, and that investigations must be conducted in accordance with the law and principles.

This complaint is drawing increased attention in light of the recent controversial personnel reshuffle of senior prosecutors by the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice appointed Park Cheol-woo, head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Anti-Corruption Department, as the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, while Jung Jin-woo, the former head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, resigned.

The lawmakers involved in the complaint argue that the prosecution must adhere to legal procedures and principles, and that the decision to abandon the appeal violates those principles. They hope that this complaint will prompt self-correction within the prosecution service and emphasize the need for prosecutorial reform.

There is speculation that this complaint could exacerbate internal conflicts within the prosecution service. It could also affect the relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution service. The Ministry of Justice has not yet issued an official statement and is closely monitoring the situation. The police will investigate this complaint, and legal action may be taken depending on the outcome of the investigation. This situation has sparked a debate about maintaining the independence and political neutrality of the prosecution service.