Tension Expected between Justice Ministry and Supreme Prosecutors

Surrounding the issue of turning over 4 public prosecutors to disciplinary action for the charge of collusion with judicial brokers, tension is perceived once again between the Justice Minister Kang Keum-shil and the Public Prosecutor General Song Gwang-soo.

Since this case broke out directly after President Roh Moo-hyun`s statement on “checking the prosecution” and after choosing the prosecution`s mid-ranking officials, rumoured to exclude Song, attention focused on whether the result of the punishment would lead to conflict between the Justice Ministry and the leaders of the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office.

Public attention was focused on the Public Attorney Disciplinary Committee held in the Gwacheon Office of the Ministry of Justice, on the afternoon of September 3. Of the 4 public attorneys that were subpoenaed to the disciplinary committee for the charge of collusion, one of whom is a Ministry official that supervises prosecution reform, a mission pursued by Minister Kang.

According to the prosecution`s inspection results, this official was turned over to the disciplinary committee for receiving money that originally came from a judicial broker named Park, who is currently under arrest for a non-related charge. Therefore, if this official is to be found guilty and is to be punished severely, Kang, who originally appointed the official, may also suffer as a result.

On the other hand, if the official turns out to be not guilty, Song, who submitted him to the disciplinary committee, could be in trouble. There is also the possibility of being perceived that he “overdid his inspection on the Minister.”

Bigger attention was drawn to the disciplinary committee due to Minister Kang`s presence. A part of the prosecution interpreted Kang`s presence as his intention to deal with the official`s punishment in person.

They argued that, although it is natural that the Minister should preside over the meeting as the chairman, it is usually the vice-minister that chairs the meeting. Kang`s presence, therefore, was seen as an unusual move.

On this matter, a Justice Ministry official explained that, “the Minister`s presence was due to the vice-minister`s visit to a superintendent`s facility outside of Seoul.”

It was noted that during the Supreme Public Prosecutors` previous inspections of the official at stake, Kang had been clashing with the leaders of the prosecution, complaining that, “the Prosecutor`s Office is carrying on with the investigation of a case that has already been settled.”

Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry discussed the severity of punishment for the 4 public attorneys at the disciplinary committee, but failed to reach a final conclusion.

Minister Kang remarked that, “as much as it is necessary to review the documents and to hear sufficiently what the concerned party has to say, we will come to a conclusion after holding several more meetings.”

Tae-Hoon Lee jefflee@donga.com