South Korea’s top prosecutor rejects calls to resign

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - South Korea’s chief prosecutor on Monday dismissed calls from opposition parties for his resignation, standing by his decision not to appeal a court ruling that led to the release of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol.

"I made the decision based on my convictions and following due process," Shim Woo-jung said, arguing that his decision did not justify his resignation or removal from his position as head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the Korea Herald reported.

"I don't think that the decision would be grounds (for the parliament) to have me resign or to impeach me. I will take corresponding actions if the National Assembly pushes for the impeachment process," Shim added.

He also disagreed with the Seoul Central District Court’s assertion that prosecutors had indicted Yoon after his detention period had expired, saying he did not accept the court's calculation of the deadline.

Previously, courts used a day-based standard to determine the initial 10-day detention period, within which an indictment had to be made. However, in Yoon's case, the court calculated his initial detention period in hours instead.

In response to Shim's remarks, lawmakers from all five opposition parties, including the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, moved forward with plans to accuse him of abuse of power.

The opposition parties filed a complaint with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, alleging that the prosecution was favoring Yoon by deciding not to appeal the court's decision to cancel his arrest.