Independent counsel
President Park Geun-hye appointed Park Young-soo, one of two candidates that the opposition parties recommended, as independent counsel to probe the influence-peddling scandal that has instigated an impeachment crisis. The independent counsel has 120 days to investigate the case and can bring charges.
The former head of the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office has a strong background in uncovering business corruption. He now takes on an unprecedented case where Korea’s sitting president faces investigation by an independent counsel for the first time.
Ultimately, the independent counsel should aim to respond to the people’s call to get to the bottom of the Choi Soon-sil scandal that has brought immeasurable shame to the country. It is also imperative that he is not swayed by politics and remains solely focused on a fair probe.
The need for a special investigation is all the more obvious when considering the loose investigation by state prosecutors so far, which has only fueled public rage.
After an earlier investigation, the prosecution determined that Park conspired with Choi, who has been charged with abuse of power. All eyes will be on whether the President will cooperate with the independent counsel’s investigation.
In her public apology on Nov. 4, Park said she would submit to a full-fledged investigation by state prosecutors or special counsel if necessary, but she then refused to be questioned by the prosecution.
Cheong Wa Dae questioned the fairness of the prosecution’s probe and even mocked it by saying the investigation results were based on “imagination.” The presidential office also refused to recognize any of the prosecution’s assertions of Park’s involvement in the scandal.
During a third public apology this week, the President reiterated that she has only worked for the national interest and had never sought personal gain. But such an explanation does little to clear the suspicions many people have about her dealings with conglomerates.
Park should stop making excuses to gloss over her presidency and deliver a truthful account of her role in the Choi scandal during the special probe.