Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho: “No Issue with Dropping Appeal in Daejang-dong Development Scandal”

[Financial News] Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho stated that there is no issue with the prosecution’s decision to forgo an appeal in the Daejang-dong development scandal, noting that the court’s sentence was higher than the prosecution’s recommendation.
Speaking at Government Complex Gwacheon on the morning of the 10th, Minister Jung said, “In principle, since the sentence handed down by the court exceeded the prosecution’s recommendation and surpassed the threshold for appeal, I believe there is no problem with not filing an appeal. I consider this a successful investigation and trial.”
Minister Jung also addressed suspicions that he pressured the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to drop the appeal, clarifying, “Since taking office as Minister of Justice, I have never once spoken with Acting Prosecutor General Noh Man-seok regarding this case. I simply advised careful consideration.”
He also expressed regret over the internal confusion within the prosecution regarding the decision not to appeal, stating, “It is unfortunate. I urge frontline prosecutors to do their utmost within the scope of their prosecutorial duties and current investigative authority.”
Additionally, Minister Jung remarked, “Following the success of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), it is the government’s duty to contribute to public safety and economic development. I apologize to the public for any concern this situation may have caused.”
kyu0705@fnnews.com Kim Dong-gyu Reporter