Justice Minister`s Decision Creates Controversy

After Justice Minister Chun Jung-bae ordered prosecutors to investigate Dongguk University professor Kang Jeong-gu without physical detention, the opposition party urged President Roh to fire him on the grounds that his actions severely infringed upon the independence of the prosecution on October 13.

There are signs of internal discord on this matter within the ruling Uri Party. The ruling party defended him, saying that his investigation command was legal and appropriate, but some moderate conservative members in the party criticized Minister Chun openly, saying that he should have let the prosecution investigate him under custody.

At first, the opposition considered submitting a proposal to dismiss Chun, but decided to discuss that later after watching whether he resigns or not, for fear of creating a political deadlock.

Yong-Gwan Jung yongari@donga.com