Prosecutor: No Shame in 'Yoon Suk-yeol Defamation' Probe

The recent 국정조사 (National Assembly Audit) has brought to light the troubling nature of past investigations, particularly the so-called ‘Yoon Suk-yeol defamation’ case. It is deeply concerning that a prosecutor, Kang Baek-shin, who led the investigation into allegations of obstructing the Busan Savings Bank probe during Yoon's tenure, declared he felt “no shame.” This statement, made under oath, reveals a disturbing lack of accountability within the prosecution service.

The evidence presented suggests that the original media reports, which are now being scrutinized, were based on factual grounds. These reports highlighted irregularities in Yoon's investigation of the Busan Savings Bank illegal loan case, including the alleged failure to properly investigate a broker who later facilitated loans for the Daedong group. The fact that this broker was later convicted and sentenced for his crimes further questions the initial handling of the case by Yoon's team.

Furthermore, the prosecution’s subsequent investigation into the journalists who reported these findings, under the guise of defaming the president, appears to have been a politically motivated tactic. The disproportionate focus on Lee Jae-myung, a political rival of Yoon, in the indictment documents, even after judicial intervention, strongly suggests the investigation's true purpose was to target political opponents rather than uncover the truth. This pattern of behavior, where the prosecution seems to act as a tool for the ruling power, is precisely why the public demands radical reform of the 검찰 (prosecution).

As journalists at Hankyoreh, we have consistently highlighted the need for prosecutorial reform. The current situation, where prosecutors can claim they acted “according to the law” while engaging in what appears to be politically motivated investigations and suppressing critical reporting, is untenable. Such actions erode public trust and undermine the principles of justice. The insistence of figures like prosecutor Kang that they have nothing to be ashamed of is a stark indicator of the deep-seated issues that necessitate the profound reforms currently being debated.