[Seoul=Newsis] Reporter Ko Seung-min: Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform New Party, criticized the prosecution’s decision not to appeal in the Daejang-dong case, saying, “Law and procedures were used as a shield to lessen the burden of power.”
On the 10th, at the Reform New Party’s Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee stated, “Typically, the prosecution files an appeal if there is a partial acquittal or a sentence lower than requested. However, in this case alone, the prosecution declined to appeal, which virtually eliminated any grounds for the prosecution to argue in the second trial.”
He further mentioned, “As a result, the trial is likely to end early, and the final decision could be rapidly made by the Supreme Court. This could be read as a signal to offer reassurance to the Daejang-dong group that their sentences will soon be confirmed.”
Adding on, he said, “Moreover, it seems like there was a promise to pardon and reinstate them once the matter concludes.” He noted, “The prosecution would have attempted to identify who within the ‘Seongnam City leadership’ mentioned in the verdict was through the appellate trial. However, the administration did not allow this possibility. In the end, it remains unclear whether the leadership refers to the president himself or Chief Kim Hyun-ji, who is purportedly interfering in the trial.”
He also mentioned, “If the order was reversed due to the Ministry of Justice’s negative opinion after all internal reports and approvals were completed, it appears that the prosecution made decisions aligned with the administration’s interests rather than on their own judgment.”
Lee criticized President Lee Jae-myung, stating, “Aren’t you ashamed of the Colonel Park Jung-hoon, whom you promoted and rewarded?” He added, “Colonel Park thought of the injustice faced by private Chae rather than his personal gain when he received unjust orders. While highlighting such a true soldier’s stance, on the other hand, you’re hindering the trial of a crime case that implicates you.”
Continuing, he remarked, “Former President Yoon Suk-yeol started to falter when he began unjust oppression against Colonel Park.” He concluded, “Even if President Lee praises and elevates Colonel Park, if he does not live by such standards, he will eventually face the same downfall.”
Lee also called for the immediate resignation of Acting Prosecutor General Noh Man-seok, saying, “No matter how much you criticize former President Yoon, Prosecutor Yoon Seok-yeol had the guts to tell former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, ‘The Prosecutor General is not a subordinate of the Minister.'”
In addition, Floor Leader Cheon Ha-ram mentioned, “Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho said he was unaware of the decision not to appeal in the Daejang-dong case, stating it was based on comprehensive judgment.” He added, “However, Acting Prosecutor Noh evaded a question about receiving instructions not to appeal from the Ministry of Justice’s senior officials.”
Cheon further pointed out, “Acting Prosecutor Noh already stated in a position statement that he did not appeal after considering the Ministry of Justice’s opinion. Despite Minister Jeong’s denials of being unaware, it’s already revealed that there was Ministry influence.”
Moreover, “Kim Byung-gi, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, proposed a special prosecutor not for the Daejang-dong appeal decision but for the Daejang-dong investigation team.” He also noted, “The first trial court clearly determined the Daejang-dong case as ‘a corruption crime committed through a long-term collusive relationship formed by providing bribes.'”
Furthermore, he questioned, “What nonsensical talk is Floor Leader Kim spouting when the court also acknowledges the reality of the Daejang-dong corruption? Each time an unfavorable ruling is made against President Lee, the call for a special investigation seems inevitable. Special investigations or parliamentary inquiries do not erase the truth.”