Prosecutor Claims Justice Ministry 'Changed Referees' Ahead of Disciplinary Hearing

Prosecutor Park Sang-yong, who is facing disciplinary action related to the Ssangbangul North Korea-linked remittance case, has criticized the Justice Ministry's recent appointment of new members to its inspection committee. Appearing before the committee at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, Park likened the appointments to "players changing referees or prosecutors replacing judges in a trial."

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It is similar to players changing referees or prosecutors replacing judges in a trial.

Park stated that he was not informed of the committee's deliberations and that the process was too rushed, forcing him to appear alone without legal counsel. He further alleged that crucial aspects of the disciplinary charges were not investigated, and his requests to review or copy case records were denied. His request for a one-week postponement of the proceedings was also rejected.

Regarding the new committee members, Park revealed he learned of their appointment from the Justice Ministry's inspection officer, expressing suspicion that the "conclusion may have already been predetermined." The Justice Ministry, however, explained that the appointments were made to fill five vacant positions, which had prevented the committee from reaching a quorum. "The members were appointed immediately after the new inspection officer took office," a ministry official said.

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I was not even informed of what was being deliberated, and the time was so short that I came alone without a lawyer. Important parts of the disciplinary charges were not even investigated, and my requests to review or copy the records were all denied. My request to postpone the date by just one week was also refused.

Park was suspended from duty in April due to allegations of pressuring a witness during the investigation of former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young in the Ssangbangul case. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office later recommended severe disciplinary action, including a two-month suspension, citing violations of investigation procedures. The office did not include allegations related to a "salmon drinking party" in its disciplinary request, respecting the committee's decision. However, Park faces additional disciplinary action for posting on Facebook during work hours and attending a People Power Party hearing without prior approval.

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I learned about the new appointments from the Justice Ministry's inspection officer, only after the fact. I suspect the conclusion may have already been predetermined.

The inspection committee will review both cases and recommend disciplinary measures. The final decision will be made by the Prosecutors' Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Justice Minister Song Sang-geun. Separately, the committee reportedly recommended disciplinary action last month regarding four prosecutors from the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office who requested recusal and withdrew from a trial concerning alleged perjury by Lee Hwa-young in the "drinking party" case. This decision overturned a previous finding by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office that no disciplinary action was warranted.

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There were five vacant positions among the total 13 inspection committee members, which caused practical difficulties in holding meetings. The members were appointed immediately after the new inspection officer took office.