The police have launched an investigation into a defamation complaint filed by a prosecutor against a senior prosecutor. The complaint centers on allegations of defamation related to an investigation into a past corruption case.
Investigation Underway
The Seoul Songpa Police Station confirmed on June 29th that they are currently investigating Prosecutor Park. The complaint was filed on March 9th, alleging that Prosecutor Im, a senior prosecutor, engaged in defamation.
Background of the Complaint
The dispute appears to stem from an internal memo circulated by Prosecutor Im. In the memo, Prosecutor Im reportedly criticized Prosecutor Park’s handling of the ‘Ssangbangul Daegeum’ (a major corruption case) investigation. Prosecutor Im allegedly stated that while some may agree with President Lee Jae-myung’s remarks that certain prosecutorial investigation tactics are worse than murder, no prosecutor would agree with such actions. He also mentioned that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office was conducting an investigation into the ‘Ssaangbangul Daegeum’ case.
In response, Prosecutor Park posted a message on the internal prosecutor’s bulletin board. He expressed his disbelief at Prosecutor Im’s actions, stating that Im seemed to be trying to tarnish his reputation without even inquiring about the facts or the truth behind the allegations. Park suggested that Im’s actions were politically motivated, aimed at gaining political favor, which he found incomprehensible.
Related Legal Actions
This is not the only legal action involving Prosecutor Park. He is also reportedly considering legal measures against Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho regarding a ruling that dismissed allegations of ‘verbal intoxication parties’.
Previous Ruling and Prosecutor Park’s Stance
On June 20th, the Suwon District Court’s Criminal Division 11 ruled that former Gyeonggi Province Peace Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young was not guilty of violating the Political Fund Act, but found him guilty of attempting to fabricate evidence. Lee was sentenced to four months in prison.
Two days later, on June 22nd, Prosecutor Park posted on his Facebook page, demanding an apology from Minister Jeong. Park accused Minister Jeong and the Ministry of Justice of fabricating a false narrative about ‘verbal intoxication parties’ and engaging in ‘state violence’.
Prosecutor Park stated that he had not yet received an official statement from Minister Jeong or the Ministry of Justice regarding the court’s ruling. He asserted that Minister Jeong should apologize and reflect on his actions for distorting the prosecution into an anti-constitutional and illegal organization.
Park concluded by giving the ministry one week to respond. He warned that if no apology was forthcoming, he would pursue all legal actions against what he termed ‘state violence and the destruction of legal order’.
