⚖️ Former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il: ‘Impeachment Decision Was Clear’ 🏛️

Former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il stated on April 8th that the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol was “legally very clear.” He made these remarks during a special lecture at Sogang University in Seoul, themed ‘Democracy and the Role of Lawyers,’ hosted by former Minister of SMEs and Startups, Park Young-sun. Lawyer Yoo Jae-man, also from a prosecution background, participated as a panelist.

Moon Moo-il emphasized, “Lawyers speak with legal principles.” He also revealed that he had previously advised against Yoon Seok-yeol as his successor as Prosecutor General.

When asked why he opposed Yoon Seok-yeol, who was then the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, becoming the next Prosecutor General, Moon responded, “Rather than opposing, I told Yoon that he could do it next time. I felt it wasn’t the right time. I asked for his understanding, saying that it wouldn’t be appropriate for the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, known for wielding the sword, to immediately become the Prosecutor General. He agreed.”

Moon Moo-il elaborated, “The second Prosecutor General usually comes from planning or criminal affairs to reorganize the organization. Yoon, who specialized in special investigations, hadn’t had experience in organizational management. So, I thought it would be better for him to be the third.”

Regarding Justice Moon Hyung-bae of the Constitutional Court, his classmate at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, Moon Moo-il recalled, “Even at a young age, he never raised his voice. He was someone who thoughtfully considered opposing views and calmly guided the conversation.”

About the impeachment trial, he added, “I thought, ‘How did such a composed person take on this difficult task?’ Based on his demeanor, I predicted that the Constitutional Court’s decision would come swiftly.”

Key points from the article:

• Moon Moo-il considered the impeachment decision legally straightforward.
• He had reservations about Yoon Seok-yeol immediately becoming Prosecutor General.
• He spoke highly of Justice Moon Hyung-bae’s calm and thoughtful approach.

Important Note:
*Prosecutor General is the head of the public prosecutors’ office, similar to the Attorney General in the US.
*Constitutional Court is the court that decides whether laws are constitutional.