On the 28th, Oh Dong-woon, a candidate for the head of the High-ranking Public Officials Crime Investigation Office, said, “We will faithfully investigate in accordance with laws and principles,” regarding the suspicion of external pressure on the investigation into the death of Corporal Chae of the Marine Corps on the 28th.
Candidate Oh met with reporters on his first day of work at the personnel hearing preparation office located in an officetel near the Gwacheon Government Complex this morning and gave this answer when asked, “How do you plan to proceed with politically sensitive cases such as the suspicion of external pressure on the investigation of Chae Sang-byeong?”
In response to the question, “(Regarding the Chae Sang-byeong incident), circumstances surrounding the involvement of the President’s Office have been revealed, is it possible to conduct an investigation without sanctuary?” He responded, “I only saw that through the media and have not been reported on it,” and added, “We will conduct a sincere investigation in accordance with laws and principles.” “Thoughts,” he replied.
Regarding the opposition party’s call for the passage of the Special Prosecutor Chae Sang-byeong Act within the term of the 21st National Assembly, he said, “I haven’t thought about that part yet,” and “I only thought about the appointment of the head of the Corruption Investigation Office, and I didn’t think deeply about the background of what I do in the political world.” He said.
When asked about concerns that Candidate Oh would be able to maintain the independence of the investigation as a person recommended by the ruling party, he said, “I was recommended by the National Assembly Recommendation Committee and was appointed over a long period of time,” and “I plan to faithfully perform my duties as the head of an independent investigative agency.” .
In relation to the statement made immediately after nomination on the 26th that the Ministry of Corruption and Corruption did not live up to public expectations, he explained, “From what I have seen through the media, it seems that the people are feeling tired (about the Ministry of Corruption and Corruption) and do not feel a sense of efficacy.” did.
He added, “If I become the head, I plan to work hard to revitalize the organization and establish it as an independent investigative agency,” adding, “I plan to think of various ways to make the Corruption Investigation Agency an agency that plays its role as an investigative agency.” .
When it was pointed out that he lacked investigative experience because he was a former judge, he said, “We are planning to appoint a deputy chief with competent investigative skills,” and added, “I have to conduct investigations and maintain prosecution, and since I have been involved in criminal trials for a long time, I will devote 100% of my abilities to those aspects.” emphasized.
Regarding the recommendation of deputy chief, he said, “I will look for someone who works well with me, is compatible with the organization, and has excellent investigative skills.”
Candidate Oh said, “It seems like the investigation is difficult as a small organization,” as problems such as the delay in the speed of the investigation by the Corruption Investigation Agency and the drain of personnel are constantly raised. “I will become the director,” he said.
Regarding the past controversy over his history of defending sexual assaulters of minors, he said, “During that trial, as a lawyer, I spoke a lot about the issues of violation of due process,” and added, “If there are any aspects that do not meet the public’s expectations, I will consider them.”
On the 26th, President Yoon Seok-yeol nominated Oh as the candidate for the second term as head of the Corruption Investigation Office. Candidate Oh is a member of the 27th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute and is a former orthodox judge who served as a judge for nearly 20 years before opening a law practice in 2017. It is reported that he had no particular contact with President Yoon, his senior in the 4th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute.
Kim So-young, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
