Supreme Prosecutors' Researchers Push for Acting Chief's Exit

Internal Conflict in the Prosecution Over Appeal Abandonment
Research officers within the Supreme Prosecutors' Office have reportedly decided to recommend the resignation of Acting Prosecutor General Noh Man-seok due to his responsibility for the "Daejang-dong appeal abandonment" incident. This decision has sparked significant internal debate and raised questions about the integrity of the prosecution's role in upholding justice.
The research officers planned to deliver a statement titled "Opinion of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Research Officers" to Noh on the 10th, outlining their concerns. The document criticized the decision to abandon the appeal, stating, "The decision to abandon the appeal has resulted in the prosecution itself renouncing its core duty to maintain public prosecution." It further urged Noh to take appropriate responsibility, including clarifying his position.
The statement also demanded an explanation of the specific factual circumstances behind the decision not to approve the investigation team’s appeal recommendation. It called for a detailed account of the decision-making process between the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and the Ministry of Justice, ensuring that both the public and prosecutors can understand the rationale.
This is an unusual move for research officers, as they typically do not call for the resignation of the acting head of the prosecution. However, they reportedly held a meeting the previous day and decided to demand an accurate explanation from Noh regarding the factual details of the Daejang-dong case appeal abandonment.
Earlier, Noh stated, "After considering the Ministry of Justice’s opinion and comprehensively reviewing the intent and content of the ruling, I judged that it was reasonable not to file an appeal." However, this explanation was deemed insufficient by many within the prosecution.
Pressure from Local Prosecutors
In addition to the research officers, 18 local district prosecutors' office heads also requested Noh via the internal prosecution network on the same day to "provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances and legal grounds for abandoning the appeal." This shows a growing consensus among various levels of the prosecution that Noh must clarify his actions.
However, not all prosecutors signed the statement. Kim Tae-hoon, head of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, and Lim Eun-jeong, head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, did not sign the document. Their absence may indicate differing opinions within the prosecution about the best course of action.
Legal Circles Speculate on the Future of the Prosecution
As internal conflict within the prosecution intensifies over the appeal abandonment, legal circles are speculating about the future of the institution. Some believe that the current turmoil may be a prelude to the abolition of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, which is scheduled to take place next September.
This situation has been described as the final "prosecutorial chaos" before the potential restructuring of the organization. The ongoing disputes highlight the challenges faced by the prosecution in maintaining unity and clarity in its operations.
Key Concerns Raised by the Research Officers
- Core Duty of Prosecution: The decision to abandon the appeal has been seen as a failure to uphold the prosecution's fundamental responsibility.
- Need for Transparency: There is a strong demand for Noh to provide a clear and detailed explanation of the decision-making process.
- Public and Internal Understanding: The statement emphasizes the need for transparency not only for the public but also for fellow prosecutors.
- Unusual Call for Resignation: The fact that research officers are calling for Noh's resignation is a rare occurrence, indicating the severity of the situation.
Conclusion
The events surrounding the Daejang-dong appeal abandonment have exposed deep divisions within the prosecution. As the debate continues, the pressure on Noh to explain his actions is mounting. With the potential abolition of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office looming, the current crisis could mark a significant turning point for the institution. The outcome will likely shape the future of prosecutorial independence and accountability in the country.
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