On the 29th, Justice Minister Jeong Sung-ho told Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office Chief Im Eun-jeong, "Be mindful of words and actions that could raise doubts about political neutrality or fairness in your duties going forward."
The Ministry of Justice said that day that Minister Jeong sent a letter with this message to Chief Im. Minister Jeong said, "As a high-ranking public official, posting personal opinions on social media (SNS) or speaking publicly in ways that could be interpreted politically is, in itself, undesirable," adding, "I asked that, as the head of a frontline prosecutors' office, you set an example and remain faithful to your original duties."
In particular, Minister Jeong specifically addressed remarks Chief Im has made over time. Minister Jeong said, "Prosecutor Im Eun-jeong has referred to personnel decisions for prosecutors as an 'appointment disaster' at a public hearing held in the National Assembly and described certain prosecutors as the 'five enemies of prosecution reform.' She also made inappropriate remarks, such as posting on her personal SNS, regarding her assignment as Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office chief, 'I heard concerns that, while promoting the so-called "real Yoon" prosecutors, I was used as wrapping paper,' and, regarding her direction of the investigation into alleged external pressure on customs drug investigations, 'I joined that investigation midway, and I am hearing many concerns and worries that I might be lending only my name and then be saddled with responsibility.'"
He also said, "The Ministry of Justice will continue to take stern measures against inappropriate words and actions by public officials that could give rise to misunderstandings about political neutrality or fairness in their duties."
Meanwhile, on the 1st, Minister Jeong also said that Chief Im's remarks directly criticizing his views on prosecution reform "do not seem appropriate."
At the time, during a full session of the Special Committee on Budget & Accounts, Seo Beom-su, a People Power Party lawmaker, asked, "Is it appropriate for Chief Im to criticize even her direct superior and the president?" Minister Jeong answered, "There are various problems."