Lee Jung-hyun, Acting Prosecutor General (Deputy Prosecutor General of the Prosecutors' Office), stated during a parliamentary audit by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly today (the 22nd) that he will not mention specific cases during Cabinet meetings.

In response to a question from Representative Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party during the audit, Acting General Lee said, "Cabinet meetings are broadcast live to the entire public," adding, "Although I have attended Cabinet meetings several times, I have never mentioned a specific case even once, nor do I have any intention of doing so."

Representative Yoon pointed out, "There has been no case of a prosecutor general attending a Cabinet meeting over the past 25 years," and added, "Even if the President says he will not intervene in specific cases, the prosecutor general inevitably faces pressure regarding the maintenance of prosecutions."

Acting General Lee explained, "The purpose of attending Cabinet meetings is to enhance understanding of overall state affairs, participate in general policy matters, and provide a venue for discussion."

However, Acting General Lee stated, "I will ensure that concerns regarding the Prosecutor General's attendance at Cabinet meetings potentially infringing upon fairness and neutrality are well conveyed through the Ministry of Justice."

Previously, President Lee Jae-myung instructed subsidiary agencies under various ministries to also attend Cabinet meetings in December of last year, which led to the acting heads of the Prosecutors' Office and the National Police Agency also beginning to sit in attendance.

At the Cabinet meeting held the day before yesterday (the 20th), Acting Prosecutor General Lee Jung-hyun, inaugural Major Crime Investigation Agency Commissioner Kim Ji-yong, and Acting National Police Agency Commissioner General Kim Jong-chul were all present.

(Photo: Yonhap News)