The article discusses the unprecedented situation arising from the collective opposition of all public prosecutors to the decision not to appeal a court case related to the Daejang-dong development scandal, where some individuals, including Kim Man-bae, were found guilty in the first trial. The decision not to appeal has led to widespread discontent among prosecutors, with the chiefs of all 18 district prosecutors’ offices and several branch offices voicing their objection.
This decision has raised suspicions about the influence of political interests, particularly regarding President Lee’s alleged involvement in the Daejang-dong case, and whether it’s an effort to mitigate his legal risks. The Democratic Party criticized the prosecution for selectively enforcing the law and compared it to handling past cases involving the former President Yoon’s administration.
Moreover, the decision not to appeal might result in the legitimization of immense criminal proceeds linked to the case, with potential confiscated funds exceeding 8 trillion won being unclaimed. This has raised questions about whether this decision aligns with public interest.
The situation is further complicated by the ruling party’s plan to abolish the charge of breach of trust, which some suspect is aimed at protecting influential political figures. Public opinion remains uncertain, and it’s unclear how this will impact the political landscape or the governing party’s influence.