South Korean Prosecutors Face Scrutiny Over Dropped Appeals in Politically Charged Cases
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – South Korea’s prosecution service is under increasing pressure amid accusations of political interference following a series of decisions to drop appeals in high-profile cases, including those involving President Lee Jae-myung and members of the ruling party. Legal experts warn the moves could erode the independence of the prosecutor’s office, a cornerstone of the country’s legal system.
The recent decisions have sparked debate about the balance between prosecutorial discretion and potential political influence, particularly as the government seeks to revise disciplinary procedures for prosecutors.
One key case involves President Lee, who was facing corruption allegations related to a development project in Daejang-dong. Prosecutors declined to appeal a lower court ruling in November, despite recommendations from investigation and trial teams to pursue the case further. This decision effectively halted efforts to recover approximately 780 billion won ($585 million) in alleged illicit profits, according to reports.
Similar decisions were made in a separate case involving alleged corruption in the Wirye new town development project.
The trend extends beyond these prominent cases. In the investigation into the 2020 shooting of a South Korean fisheries official by North Korean forces, prosecutors filed what observers described as a “partial appeal” against former National Security Office Director Seo Hoon and former Coast Guard Commissioner Kim Hong-hee. Furthermore, no appeal was filed to the Supreme Court in a case involving allegations of illegal political funding tied to former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, even after an acquittal by an appellate court.
These actions have fueled concerns that the prosecution service is increasingly reluctant to challenge the administration. Korea University Law School Professor Cha Jin-ah noted that prosecutors “are now watching the political climate,” potentially leading to prosecutorial decisions being “subordinated to political power.”
The scrutiny comes after President Lee publicly criticized prosecutors last September, alleging they sometimes pursue indictments without sufficient legal basis and continue appeals even after acquittals to avoid accountability. He also initiated an internal inspection following a collective walkout by prosecutors during the trial of a former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor.
In response, lawmakers from the ruling party have proposed legislation to revise disciplinary procedures for prosecutors and amend the Criminal Act to potentially punish judges and prosecutors for perceived misinterpretations of the law. They have also formed a group advocating for the withdrawal of charges against President Lee and a national investigation into past indictments they deem politically motivated.
Under South Korean law, prosecutors are mandated to operate independently. However, the recent series of decisions has raised questions about whether that independence is being compromised, potentially impacting public trust in the justice system.
Original reporting by Asia Today, translated by UPI.
