Vice Justice Minister Lee Jin-soo (52, Judicial Research and Training Institute Class 29), who had been widely mentioned as a strong candidate for Prosecutor General, does not plan to participate in future procedures even if he is nominated.

The explanation is to avoid conflicts of interest, as he has a role to play in the recommendation and appointment process as the Acting Minister of Justice.

As the public recommendation process for the Prosecutor General candidate recommendation committee closes today (October 21), Vice Minister Lee has stated within the Ministry of Justice that even if he is nominated, he will not participate in subsequent procedures as a candidate for Prosecutor General.

Lee was reportedly quoted as saying, "The appointment process for the inaugural Prosecutor General of the Prosecution Service needs to proceed even more fairly and transparently."

The Ministry of Justice formed the Prosecutor General Candidate Recommendation Committee on October 13 and has been accepting public recommendations starting the next day for individuals meeting the qualification requirement of 15 or more years of legal experience.

The public recommendation process concludes at 6 p.m. today.

(Photo: Yonhap News)