Im Eun-jeong, the new chief prosecutor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office, stated, “If the prosecution does not change, it may face reforms akin to being dismantled.”
During her first day commuting to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office in Songpa-gu today (4th), Chief Prosecutor Im met with journalists. She mentioned that “the prosecution should endure criticism for its past wrongdoings, such as lenient investigations and lies” and that “the prosecution is currently under scrutiny, and unless it changes, it may undergo reforms close to disbandment.”
Regarding internal backlash against prosecution reforms, Chief Prosecutor Im commented, “This has been ongoing for decades,” and pointed out that “there was criticism that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration was a prosecution dictatorship. It seems the voices of opposition have somewhat subdued compared to then.”
She further mentioned, “There are probably more than a few juniors who feel disheartened seeing a senior prosecutor, whom they once respected (former President Yoon Seok-yeol), being investigated as a coup leader,” adding, “I feel there is reflection on whether the prosecution wrongly assessed the situation at that time.”
When asked about the perception that her appointment was tied to political backgrounds, Chief Prosecutor Im responded, “Depending on where those viewing me stand, the perception may differ. Having lived as a whistleblower for over a decade, I am accustomed to this and believe I can show my sincerity moving forward.”