Cheong Wa Dae Expresses "Regret" Over Rhyu Si-min's Remarks, Weighs Possible Legal Action

[Anchor]

Writer Rhyu Si-min recently criticized President Lee Jae-myung's vision for prosecution reform, claiming that he "deceived the public." In response, Cheong Wa Dae has officially expressed regret. While some reports suggested that Cheong Wa Dae is considering legal action, the presidential office stated that no decision has been made.

Reporter Kim Kwan-jin has the details.

[Reporter]

During a press conference on September 18, President Lee Jae-myung explained the ultimate goal of the prosecution reform that had initially been discussed:

[President Lee Jae-myung (Press conference on September 18) : "Let us separate prosecutors in charge of investigation from prosecutors in charge of indictment, that is, prosecution, and divide the Ministry of Justice into an investigative agency and an indicting agency."]

President Lee also urged, "Please dismiss any suspicions that I am siding with the prosecution or that reform is retreating."

However, four days later, on September 22, writer Rhyu Si-min appeared on a YouTube show and criticized President Lee, claiming his vision differed from the Democratic Party's campaign pledges on prosecution reform.

[Writer Rhyu Si-min (Media Today YouTube channel, September 22) : "Although we used the same term, 'prosecution reform,' the substance was different. Then the president should have said this much earlier. Until now, he has deceived the public."]

In response, Cheong Wa Dae issued an official position today (September 24), stating, "We express regret over the distortion of the facts regarding the president's commitment to prosecution reform."

Although Rhyu has criticized President Lee several times in the past, this marks the first time Cheong Wa Dae has officially expressed "regret."

Amid some reports that legal action against Rhyu is being reviewed, Cheong Wa Dae clarified, "No decision has been made regarding whether to take legal action."

However, it left the door open, adding that it is "verifying the facts regarding the continued baseless and critical claims."

During the September 18 press conference, President Lee also appealed for unity across the broader progressive camp.

[President Lee Jae-myung (Press conference on September 18) : "We are all pro-Moon, pro-Roh, pro-Kim Dae-jung, and comrades of Lee Jae-myung."]

Should Cheong Wa Dae pursue actual legal action, internal discord within the broader ruling bloc could escalate further despite President Lee's appeal.

(Reported by Shin Dong-hwan | Video edited by Kim Jin-won | Graphics by Seo Hyun-joong | Footage courtesy of Media Today YouTube)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.