[Breaking] Special Prosecutor Requests Disciplinary Action Against Acting Prosecutor General and Investigation Bureau Chief

The investigation into the "12.3 Emergency Martial Law" has taken a significant turn as the second special prosecutor's team, led by Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, formally requested disciplinary measures against key figures within the prosecution service. The team has asked the Ministry of Justice to take action against the acting Prosecutor General, Gu Ja-hyun, and the head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Investigation Bureau, Kim Sung-dong.

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The Supreme Prosecutors' Office refused to submit requested materials, citing a lack of legal grounds to comply, despite being obligated to do so under Article 6, Paragraph 6 of the Special Prosecutor Act. This refusal is a violation of the Special Prosecutor Act and a serious obstruction of the special prosecutor's investigation.

According to a statement released by the special prosecutor's office, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office refused to submit requested materials pertinent to the investigation, citing a lack of legal grounds to comply. This refusal is seen by the special prosecutor as a direct contravention of Article 6, Paragraph 6 of the Special Prosecutor Act, which mandates cooperation with such investigations. The special prosecutor's team has characterized this non-compliance as a serious obstruction that hinders their work.

This move by the special prosecutor underscores the ongoing tensions and potential power struggles between the special investigative body and the established prosecution service. The request for disciplinary action signals the special prosecutor's determination to ensure full cooperation and uphold the integrity of their investigation. They have also stated their intention to respond strictly to any future instances of similar obstruction, emphasizing their commitment to fostering a transparent and fair investigative environment.

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We have requested the Ministry of Justice to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the acting Prosecutor General and the head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Investigation Bureau for obstructing the investigation.

The situation highlights the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in South Korea's legal and political landscape, particularly when investigating sensitive matters like emergency martial law. The Ministry of Justice's response to this request will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for how such inter-agency disputes are resolved in the future.

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In the future, we will respond strictly and without exception to similar cases. We will continue to do our best to create a transparent and fair investigative environment.