South Korean President calls for special prosecutor to investigate charge withdrawal controversies

President Lee Jae-myung called for a thorough investigation into controversies surrounding the withdrawal of charges in cases involving him, suggesting that a special prosecutor is inevitable. During his first-anniversary press conference, Lee expressed profound distrust in the prosecution, stating, "They've made a huge mistake" and questioning past practices. He indicated that while he could form a special investigative team, a neutral special prosecutor might be more acceptable to the public and opposition parties. Lee emphasized that "at the very least, the truth must be uncovered" regarding indictments that appear objectively problematic. This stance suggests a move towards resolving the controversy through a special prosecutor, particularly concerning the "fabricated indictment special prosecutor bill" proposed by the Democratic Party, which includes cases where Lee is the defendant.

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At the very least, the truth must be uncovered.

Lee's comments reflect a deep-seated skepticism towards the prosecution's actions. He alluded to past instances where cases were allegedly fabricated or evidence manipulated, stating, "You can even grind a spoon into a knife." While he refrained from specifying which charges should be dropped, he noted that if past prosecutorial decisions were wrong, they should be corrected. This sentiment was echoed in a previous meeting with the acting Prosecutor General, where Lee stated, "Everyone can make mistakes. If you make a mistake, you apologize and withdraw it." This suggests a belief that the current prosecution has overstepped its boundaries, and such actions should be considered "karma."

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They've made a huge mistake.

The president also signaled a more flexible approach regarding the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights, a contentious issue in ongoing parliamentary debates. While reiterating his stance that these rights should be recognized in exceptional cases, Lee deferred the decision to the National Assembly. He acknowledged the "deep distrust" in the prosecution and suggested that leaving the matter to parliamentary discussion, without the government rigidly adhering to one position, would be beneficial. The Democratic Party has been pushing for the complete abolition of these rights for prosecutors who will transition to the newly established prosecution office, citing concerns about potential abuse of power. However, legal circles worry that without these rights, the prosecution may not be adequately checked, potentially harming the public.

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You can even grind a spoon into a knife.