[Editorial] `Bitter Words` of Retired Prosecution General

Former Pusan Prosecution General Shim Jae-Ryun uttered `bitter words` and left the prosecution, as he said, "As troubles with the prosecution are resulted from constant mismanagement of personnel matters and intervention in the prosecution affairs, government’s chief executive is the most responsible figure." It is meaningful and suggestive, as it is `self- diagnosis` of one of prosecution executives.

Former general Shim’s target of criticism was obviously president Kim Dae-Jung. President Kim recently expressed an opposing view that `Government suffered to some extent because the prosecution didn’t do well`, and it is questionably whether he would take the `bitter words` as direct challenge or loyal advice. As to speak of conclusion first, I hope that the president does not spit out because the words are bitter. Former general Shim even recognized the damage that the president’s wrong attitude of current situations may cause by saying, "Conceiving as if the entire prosecution is mistaken and putting all responsibility upon it, without involving the government, only increases anti- trust and does not help the prosecution to recover."

Although bitter, I wish president Kim takes the retirement address as a thankful advice. The prosecution’s fate between recovering and staying in the critical conditions depends on the president’s choice. Another retirement speech of a prosecution executive may come out, or this may be the last. President Kim must acknowledge his responsibility over the `blaming- others` atmosphere, and do all he can to correct the current situations. Without the change of attitude in the personnel chief, new prosecution general Lee Myung-Jae’s reform will not succeed.

The prosecution must also humbly accept that it created its own crisis, and call for grave reflection. As Shim expressed his thought, "We crowded around the power to advance status, or to share it, and did not refuse to be maids to please them." the words are to be remembered. How many high officials in the prosecution would directly refute against what he said?

If Shim’s address remains in exhausting criticism without leading reflection and change, it would only bring further crisis for the administration and the prosecution.