Prosecution's 'Bodyguard' Jung Sung-ho? Is the Ministry of Justice a Subsidiary of the Prosecution? [Analysis]

The Hankyoreh's editorial stance is critical of the prosecution's handling of the "salmon and alcohol party" allegations, viewing the investigation as unduly prolonged and potentially influenced by internal pressures. The article expresses frustration that the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office took eight months to conclude its investigation, only to finalize it with the disciplinary statute of limitations looming.

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The Seoul High Prosecutors' Office's human rights infringement inspection task force has concluded that there were suspicions of coercion and fabricated testimony during the investigation into the alleged illegal transfer of funds to North Korea by the Ssangbangul group.

It highlights specific pieces of evidence, including witness testimonies from inmates, purchase records of alcohol, and phone recordings, which the task force reportedly used to confirm the allegations. The article questions the delay in announcing the findings and expresses skepticism about whether disciplinary action will be taken against the involved prosecutor, Park Sang-yong, given the approaching deadline.

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Is this investigation really that complicated that it took 8 months? What were you doing until now, with only about ten days left until the statute of limitations for disciplinary action (3 years) expires in May?

The piece also criticizes the broader prosecutorial culture, suggesting a tendency to protect its own members. It points to the National Assembly's 'Yoon Seok-yeol Political Prosecution Fabrication Indictment' investigation, where most prosecutors allegedly denied or downplayed wrongdoing, contrasting this with the limited admissions from some high-ranking officials. This is framed as evidence of how easily prosecutors disregard laws and human rights when acting as a unified interest group.

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Some statements have been confirmed through statements from some prison guards.

From a South Korean perspective, the article implies that such investigations are often hampered by internal politics and a lack of genuine accountability within the prosecution service. The delay and the perceived reluctance to take decisive action are seen not just as procedural issues but as symptomatic of a deeper problem of self-preservation within the judicial system. The article suggests that this internal protectionism emboldens individual prosecutors, like Park Sang-yong, to act with impunity, believing the system will shield them.

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The fact that all confirmed actions were illegal, including the unauthorized bringing in of outside food, meetings with former high-ranking prosecutors who were not appointed, delivery of documents, and gatherings of accomplices, is illegal.