Special task force to probe presidential aide, special inspector

After setting up a special investigation team on Tuesday, Yoon Gap-geun, chief of the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, launched the investigation into two allegations; misuse of authority by Woo Byung-woo, senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, and media leaks on findings investigated by special inspector Lee Seok-soo. Indeed, it seems that Prosecutor General Kim Soo-nam labored over five days and carefully picked team members instead of Seoul District Prosecutors' Office (SPO) whose chief prosecutors are already connected with Woo.

However, Yoon and Woo both completed their 19th judicial apprenticeship and their close ties date back to 2014 when Yoon, then-chief at SPO anti-corruption department, and Woo worked together during the so-called "Jeong Yun-hoe briefing" investigation. Though Yoon was so confident that he said he wouldn't let personal feelings get in the way of the current investigation, many are raising their eyebrows over the possibility of a strict scrutiny.

Prosecutor General Kim's strong influence over the special investigation team, which is under his immediate control, can be interpreted as his strong will to push forward the investigation. Still, if Woo remains incumbent, Woo will be briefed with the investigation progress. In other words, the suspect can peep into the investigation records. When the suspect already knows what the opponent's next move will be and prepares the answers in advance, the investigation will severely lack in justice, regardless of the findings.

As the prosecutor general who secures his tenure, there are possibilities that Kim will conduct an impartial investigation as President Park Geun-hye's term is nearing to an end. However, the senior civil affairs secretary for the presidential office has the power to wield strong influence over personnel matters with permanent files of all prosecution executives in his hands. Therefore, no matter how strong the prosecutor general is determined, prosecutors in the special investigation team are likely to be burdened by the uncomfortable truth.

Past investigations showed that when incumbent justice minister or a high-level prosecutor was under an investigation, a resignation was submitted before appearing before the prosecution. In every respect, it is deemed appropriate for Woo to resign and report to the questioning. Politicians also share the same view. The ruling Saenuri Party's floor leader Chung Jin-seok expressed his dissent on his Facebook page, saying, "How arrogant it is to act cute in front of his direct boss just because he is a presidential appointee? A public servant who does not fear the public will become the rotten apple in an organization, and eventually stir up a national crisis." Even National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-gyun also expressed his concerns on Monday that it is indeed a pity that the state affairs are stalled by personal affairs, adding that the investigation should be conducted by another independent counsel as soon as possible, so that the president, government, and parties can focus on the interest of public welfare.

The presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae rebuked that the leak of investigation progress spilled by special inspector Lee can create a national stir. Still, now that the leak is under investigation by a special investigation team, the presidential office should step back and wait for the findings. If Cheong Wa Dae continues to shield Woo or wield influence over the special investigation team, the case will eventually be passed on to the National Assembly where President Park may face severe damages.