Park Chan-dae, a member of the National Assembly running for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 24th that he would push for the enactment of the 'Law on the Investigation of Past Prosecutorial Misconduct' to fully re-investigate the allegations of case manipulation by the prosecution during Yoon Suk-yeol's administration. He stated that this law would hold the prosecution accountable for improper investigations and indictments through disciplinary actions, impeachment, and investigations, and provide measures such as dismissal of charges and retrials for victims. He emphasized that any improper investigations regarding the case related to President Lee Jae-myung should be applied without exception.
During a press conference held at the National Assembly's communication center that morning, Park said, "I will uncover the reality of the case manipulation perpetrated by the Yoon Suk-yeol prosecution," adding, "Genuine prosecutorial reform must begin with correcting past wrongs."
He claimed, "The prosecution under Yoon Suk-yeol conducted over 400 searches against President Lee, but when they couldn't find evidence, they distorted the evidence and engaged in reckless indictments relying on contaminated testimonies," adding, "This was not an action against individual Lee Jae-myung but a deliberate abuse against political opponent Lee Jae-myung and, furthermore, against democracy."
He then stated that through the establishment of the Law on the Investigation of Past Prosecutorial Misconduct, the investigative commission set up as a result would identify the reality of manipulated investigations, and based on that, it would also be possible to impose disciplinary actions, impeachment, and criminal penalties against those prosecutors.
He also emphasized, "I will exclude the statute of limitations for state violence crimes such as case manipulation. To this end, I will pass the statute of limitations abolition bill that former President Yoon Suk-yeol exercised his veto against."
In particular, he added, "For cases where case manipulation and abuse of prosecutorial power have been confirmed, I will ensure that charges are dismissed to properly remedy victims, and that confirmed cases can undergo retrials."
He continued, "The state's responsibility toward victims of political prosecution will now be proven not just through words but through systems. I will not hesitate to conduct national investigations and special prosecutors," adding, "Through national investigations, I will reveal the reality of manipulation and planned investigations in detail, and if necessary, I will introduce special prosecutors to hold political prosecutors accountable to the end."
He urged Minister Jeong Seong-ho to actively pursue the establishment of the investigation committee, saying, "The past investigation committee can be implemented immediately if the Ministry of Justice is determined and the prosecution does not resist."
After the press conference, Park met with reporters and emphasized, "While completely separating the investigation and indictment powers and abolishing the prosecutor's office are related to the future of prosecutorial reform, it is also clearly necessary to scrutinize the absurd manipulations that the prosecution committed in the past; this is the motive for creating the Law on the Investigation of Past Prosecutorial Misconduct."
Regarding the re-investigation target of the past investigation committee, he stated, "If the political prosecution's manipulation investigation against President Lee is confirmed to be true, it must be applied without exception." He also mentioned that the illegal political funds received by former Democratic Research Institute Vice President Kim Yong should be re-examined.
When asked whether there had been prior consultations with the Ministry of Justice, he replied, "In this regard, the overall public sentiment and the sentiment of the Democratic Party align. Minister Jeong also made similar comments before taking office. I believe there is ample agreement here."