Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
President appoints vice justice minister as prosecutor general
Vice Minister of Justice Shim Woo-jung speaks to reporters in front of the Ministry of Justice at the government complex in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Sunday. The presidential office appointed Shim as the new candidate for prosecutor general earlier in the day. Yonhap
By Anna J. Park
Candidate emphasizes political neutrality for prosecutors
Incumbent Vice Minister of Justice Shim Woo-jung has been named the new candidate for prosecutor general, the presidential office announced Sunday.
During a press briefing on Sunday afternoon, Chung Jin-suk, presidential chief of staff, said Shim is the right candidate who can effectively and stably lead the prosecution.
"Candidate Shim is highly trusted by members of the prosecution for his rational leadership. He has deep insight into criminal procedures and prosecutorial systems, as well as a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law," Chung said during the briefing.
"Shim is regarded as the right candidate who can fulfill the prosecution's core role of protecting the public and defending the Constitution and the rule of law," he added.
Born in 1971, Shim studied law at Seoul National University and passed the national bar exam in 1994. He began his career as a prosecutor at the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office in 2000.
Over the past two decades, he has held various positions, including deputy chief prosecutor at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, deputy chief prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office and deputy minister for planning and coordination at the Ministry of Justice.
He was tapped to be the vice justice minister in January this year. He is also the son of Shim Dae-pyeong, former governor of South Chungcheong Province.
Earlier this month, the candidate recommendation committee for prosecutor general shortlisted four candidates, including Shim. Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae submitted Shim's nomination to the president.
There was cautious speculation both within and outside the prosecution that the new prosecutor general nomination would intentionally avoid candidates with a background in special investigations from within the agency.
Among the four shortlisted candidates, Shim was the only one with a background related to the planning and administrative aspects of the prosecution, gaining extensive experience across key departments within the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and demonstrating strong expertise in legal and prosecutorial administration.
Historically, prosecutor generals from the special investigations division often clashed with those in power due to their investigative instincts. For instance, former President Moon Jae-in appointed Yoon Suk Yeol as prosecutor general, which eventually led to a political rift between them. Similarly, Yoon faced conflicts with Prosecutor General Lee One-Seok over investigations into allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee.
Upholding legal principles
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, after being appointed by the presidential office, Shim stressed the importance of upholding legal principles and maintaining political neutrality.
"What is most important is that the law and principles are upheld according to evidence and legal principles," Shim said.
When asked about the controversy regarding allegations that first lady Kim Keon Hee received special treatment during her investigation outside the prosecutors' office, Shim replied, "I don't think it's appropriate to comment on specific cases. However, I trust that the prosecution members are conducting their work in accordance with the law and principles."
When asked to evaluate Prosecutor General Lee One-seok's statement that "there is no special treatment or sanctuary before the law" in reference to the investigation of the first lady, Shim said upholding the law and principles in any investigation is essential, and emphasized that he shares the same view.
"I will do my best to ensure that the prosecution members can continue to do their work with confidence in this belief," Shim noted.
Regarding his envisioned approach to working with the presidential office, the prosecutor general nominee emphasized the importance of maintaining political neutrality.