'Beware of Irresponsible Extremists'… Personnel Decisions Must Not Be Swayed by Self-Interest

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung has posted on social media warning against irresponsible extremists who mislead the public. He also posted that no one should attempt to sway personnel appointments, investigations, or indictments under the pretext of prosecution reform.

Reporter Kang Cheongwan reports.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung wrote on social media, "Whether on the left or the right, we must be vigilant against irresponsible extremism anywhere," pointing out that "radical arguments and groundless instigation often stem from selfishness to monopolize reform achievements, rather than for the good of the people and the nation."

He also wrote, "In our society as well, instigation by irresponsible extremists who mislead the public—the so-called 'Mugeukpa'—is spreading like a fad, but in the end, justice will prevail."

Although President Lee did not specify the details of the "radical arguments" and "instigation," nor who the "Mugeukpa" were, he followed up with a series of posts regarding prosecution reform.

Emphasizing that prosecution reform is for the public and not meant to build political legacies for specific individuals, President Lee stressed, "Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to manipulate personnel decisions and specific investigative and prosecutorial work out of self-interest under the pretext of prosecution reform."

Despite the recent announcement by Cheong Wa Dae that there are no issues with the appointment of Kim Ji-yong, a former prosecutor, as nominee to head the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, pushback from prosecution reform hardliners within the ruling camp has continued. Notably, Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae, a Democratic Party member, stated that "just as prosecution reform was crossing the ninth ridge, bullets flew from behind instead." In light of this, President Lee appears to have personally stepped forward to persuade supporters and rally public opinion.

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