'Irresponsible Extremists' Must Be Kept in Check... Personnel Decisions Cannot Be Dictated by Self-Interest

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need to guard against irresponsible extremism. He pointed out that personal ambition must not dictate personnel appointments, investigations, or indictments under the pretext of prosecution reform, remarks interpreted as targeting hardliners within the ruling camp who oppose the nomination of Kim Ji-yong as head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Office.

Reporter Kang Cheongwan reports.

[Reporter]

President Lee wrote on social media on Sunday night, October 4, "Whether on the left or the right, we must beware of irresponsible extremism everywhere," adding, "Radical claims and groundless agitation often stem not from a desire to serve the people and the nation, but from the selfishness of monopolizing reform achievements."

He also wrote, "In our society, agitation by irresponsible extremists who mislead the public—so-called 'Mugeukpa' (irresponsible extremists)—is spreading like a fad, but justice will ultimately prevail."

While he did not specify the details of the "radical claims" and "agitation" or identify who the "irresponsible extremists" are, President Lee posted further messages regarding prosecution reform again today.

President Lee emphasized that prosecution reform is for the public, not for building the political legacy of specific individuals, stating, "Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to manipulate personnel decisions or specific investigative and indictment duties out of personal ambition under the pretext of prosecution reform."

Despite Cheong Wa Dae's recent announcement that there are no issues with the nomination of former prosecutor Kim Ji-yong as head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Office, backlash from prosecution reform hardliners within the ruling camp has continued—with Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party remarking, "Just as prosecution reform was about to cross the final ridge, a bullet flew from behind instead." In response, President Lee is seen as directly stepping forward to persuade supporters and sway public opinion.

Video by Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Yoo Mi-ra | Graphics by Jang Seong-beom
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.