Prosecutors in ‘mass walkout’ at Lee Hwa-young trial appear before disciplinary committee: “Why do I have to stand here?”

[Financial News] The Ministry of Justice disciplinary committee convened on the 21st to review the cases of prosecutors who walked out en masse during the trial of former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Peace Lee Hwa-young on charges including perjury. The prosecutors facing discipline said they would cooperate fully with the proceedings but found it difficult to accept the grounds for disciplinary action.
The Ministry of Justice convened the disciplinary committee at 2 p.m. that day at its office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, and is reviewing requests for disciplinary action against Kim Hyun-woo, a senior prosecutor at the Changwon District Prosecutors’ Office, and Seo Hyun-wook, a senior prosecutor at the Busan Metropolitan Prosecutors’ Office, Changwon Branch.
Appearing before the committee at around 1:50 p.m. that day, Senior Prosecutor Kim said, “The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office Inspection Committee decided that disciplinary action could not be taken, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) dismissed the case, saying it had found no grounds for suspicion. Even so, I don’t know why I have to stand here.”
He added, “I will actively cooperate with the Ministry of Justice’s disciplinary proceedings and faithfully explain that I carried out my duties as a prosecutor of the Republic of Korea.” Asked whether he would file an administrative lawsuit if disciplinary action were imposed, he replied, “I’ll review the outcome and decide after consulting with my lawyers.”
Before appearing, Senior Prosecutor Seo also said, “I plan to explain the unfairness and problems with the request for disciplinary action.” Asked about the disciplinary proceedings moving forward despite the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office Inspection Committee’s decision and the CIO’s dismissal of the case, he said, “I think it’s a matter of common sense. I’ll explain it properly before I leave.” He said he would consider whether to file an administrative lawsuit after learning the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
The disciplinary proceedings stem from four trial prosecutors from the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office announcing their intention to seek the recusal of the trial panel and walking out en masse during a pretrial hearing on November 25 last year at the Suwon District Court in Lee’s case, which includes alleged violations of the National Assembly Testimony and Appraisal Act. The two men were, at the time, the former and incumbent heads of Criminal Division 6 at the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office.
The prosecutors said the panel’s handling of the proceedings was unfair, citing, among other things, its rejection of the prosecution’s request to call witnesses. They announced their intention to seek recusal and left the courtroom. The following day, President Lee Jae-myung expressed concern and regret, calling it “an act that disrupts order in the courtroom,” and ordered an inspection and an investigation.
In April, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office Inspection Committee concluded that it would be difficult to impose discipline over the matter. However, then-Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho personally sought a disciplinary reprimand on August 14. The procedures and circumstances at the time, including whether the prosecutors reported to their superiors before seeking recusal of the trial panel, are expected to be key issues at the committee meeting.
Meanwhile, the CIO recently dismissed a case in which Lee’s side had accused the four prosecutors who walked out en masse of contempt of court and dereliction of duty.
 
[email protected] Choi Eun-sol Reporter