Legal pressure concerns intensified after a conservative civic group filed criminal complaints against senior officials over the dropped Daejang-dong appeal. The decision created immediate political shock because it eased legal risk for President Lee Jae Myung.
The Public Welfare Committee submitted its complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and questioned the motives behind the decision. The group said prosecutors may have faced improper influence and argued that legal pressure concerns now require full transparency.
The Daejang-dong scandal centers on a major housing development project in Seongnam during Lee’s mayoral tenure. Prosecutors accused private developers of exploiting insider arrangements that produced huge profits and harmed the city financially. They also charged Yoo Dong-gyu and Kim Man-bae with promising large payments to Jeong Jin-sang, a close aide to Lee.
The first court ruling suggested that Lee and Jeong knew private operators supported Lee’s earlier campaign. However, prosecutors dropped their appeal and removed any chance to strengthen their earlier claims. The move triggered deeper legal pressure concerns within the prosecution and raised doubts about internal decision-making.
The civic group accused six officials, including Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho and Acting Prosecutor General Noh Man-seok, of abusing authority. It said they harmed the integrity of prosecutors and demanded a fast, independent investigation.
Eighteen senior prosecutors then issued a joint statement urging Noh to explain the decision clearly. They said his earlier remarks lacked legal detail and weakened public trust in prosecutorial independence.
Noh responded by saying he reviewed all records and consulted Justice Ministry leaders before deciding. He said the decision matched legal standards and reflected his authority as acting prosecutor general.
Justice Minister Jung later apologized for public concern but defended the investigation’s outcome. He said courts issued heavier sentences than prosecutors requested, which usually removes the need for appeal.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party pushed to repeal the breach of trust clause in the Criminal Act. If lawmakers succeed, the key charge against Lee could disappear during ongoing proceedings.
The case continues to influence politics as prosecutors, lawmakers, and civic groups clash over responsibility. Analysts expect debates over independence, reform, and public confidence to grow as the controversy unfolds.
