Prosecutor Park Sang-yong, who is under review by the Ministry of Justice's disciplinary committee for alleged violations during the investigation of the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case, stated, "I have not been properly informed about the specific details of the review, but I will provide a thorough explanation to the committee members."
The Ministry of Justice convened the disciplinary committee at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, starting at 2 p.m. on the 13th.
Park arrived at 1:43 p.m. and told reporters, "I received a notice to attend, but I was not properly informed about the specific content of the review. My requests for document access and information disclosure were also denied," adding, "Due to time constraints, I came alone without my attorney."
He continued, "Nevertheless, as a prosecutor of the Republic of Korea, I will explain everything clearly when called by a national agency. I will go in and speak well."
Park received a notice to attend the disciplinary committee on the 10th. He requested a one-week postponement, citing insufficient preparation time and the unavailability of his attorney due to an external trip, but his request was denied, leading to his attendance on the 13th.
The disciplinary review is examining several issues, including: 1) whether Park, as the lead prosecutor in the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case, pressured the attorney for former Gyeonggi Province Peace Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young to confess by mentioning other investigations; 2) whether he provided external food and conveniences to a suspect; 3) whether he posted on Facebook during work hours; and 4) whether he made statements at a hearing conducted solely by the People Power Party regarding the Democratic Party's alleged manipulation of prosecution dismissal.
However, the 'salmon drinking party' allegations raised primarily by the ruling Democratic Party are reportedly not included in the review.
Park expressed concerns over the recent appointment of additional members to the disciplinary committee, stating, "I was unaware of this until I heard it directly from the Ministry of Justice's disciplinary officer. This is essentially akin to a player changing the referee or a prosecutor changing the judge, which is inappropriate behavior."
The Ministry of Justice's disciplinary committee consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and between seven and thirteen members. A majority of the committee must be present, and a majority of those present must agree for the committee to recommend necessary actions to the Minister of Justice. Park interprets the appointment of committee members with specific biases as an attempt to 'fit the conclusion to the narrative.'
The level of discipline for Park will be ultimately decided by the Prosecutorial Disciplinary Committee, chaired by the Minister of Justice, following the disciplinary committee's review. The Minister of Justice can request additional disciplinary actions. Disciplinary measures are categorized into five levels: dismissal, removal, suspension, demotion, and reprimand, with suspensions and above typically classified as severe disciplinary actions.
Earlier in April, the Ministry of Justice suspended Park's duties due to alleged violations of his official duties during the North Korea remittance investigation, and in May, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office requested a two-month suspension as a severe disciplinary measure after a review by the disciplinary committee.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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