Justice Minister Nominee Lee Yong-cheol Defends Presidential Indictment Probe

Justice Minister nominee Lee Yong-cheol stated this week that a newly appointed special counsel investigating allegations of fabricated indictments should focus exclusively on uncovering the truth. Speaking on Monday and Wednesday, Lee declined to confirm whether indictments against President Lee Jae Myung should be withdrawn, asserting that such matters must be handled according to law and established principles.

Lee's comments follow the National Assembly's November 6 passage of a bill to appoint a special counsel. The probe will investigate whether the prosecution service, National Intelligence Service, and Board of Audit and Inspection conspired to fabricate indictments during the administration of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. While the ruling Democratic Party argues the probe targets prosecutors who abused their authority, the opposition People Power Party and lawmaker Han Dong-hoon claim the legislation is designed to protect those currently in power by canceling charges against the president.

President Lee Jae Myung nominated Lee Yong-cheol, a former associate from his time in Seongnam, to the justice ministry. This appointment has drawn criticism over potential conflicts of interest, as the justice minister could theoretically direct the dropping of pending charges. Lee has denied allegations that he helped engineer the Daejang-dong real estate scandal and dismissed claims that his personal ties to the president disqualify him from the role, describing his nomination as a mandate to stabilize the criminal justice system.