Prosecutor-General, Fair Trade Chief Nominated

President Lee Myung-bak yesterday nominated former chief of the Daejeon District Prosecutors’ Office Kim Joon-gyu as prosecutor-general and Sungkyunkwan University law professor Jeong Ho-yeol as chairman of the Fair Trade Commission.

Presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan said, “Kim puts emphasis on communications. As a person with rational leadership, he is suitable for stabilizing the organization. He has been involved in a variety of investigations and has insight into global issues. As leader of the International Association of Prosecutors, he is the right person who can reform the prosecution in line with global standards.”

“Jeong has a firm belief in market economics and is also a well-known expert in fair competition and corporate law. Since he has served various government committees, he is experienced in practical issues.”

Kim’s nomination came two weeks after Chun Sung-gwan dropped out due to public outcry over his ethics. After discussing personnel matters with Kim, the Justice Ministry will announce promotions and transfers of high-ranking prosecutors soon.

Born in Seoul, Kim, 54, retired as chief of the Daejeon District Prosecutors’ Office July 3 after Chun, who passed the bar a year later than Kim, was nominated. In 25 days, however, Kim is set to become the nation’s top prosecutor.

A key source from the presidential office said, “We have strengthened the confirmation process to prepare ourselves for confirmation hearings at the National Assembly. We have thoroughly done a check on Kim. In addition to his morality, we highly appreciate his capability to improve law and order to a more advanced level.”

Jeong, 55, was born in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, and has headed the Fair Trade Commission’s committee on competition policy advisory.

yongari@donga.com