The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee has decided, led by the ruling party, to file a criminal complaint against prosecutor Park Sang-yong, who investigated the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case.
Kim Yong-min, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker serving as the ruling party's chief secretary on the committee, announced through Facebook on Tuesday that "we are filing a complaint against Prosecutor Park on charges of violating the Act on Testimony and Appraisal Before the National Assembly."
"Prosecutor Park brazenly denied allegations of a 'salmon drinking party' and witness coercion during last year's parliamentary audit and prosecutorial reform legislative hearing," Kim said. "However, recent recordings with attorney Seo Min-seok and testimony from a correctional officer at the time have revealed details that contradict his previous statements."
"The crime of deceiving the National Assembly and undermining the rule of law is by no means minor," Kim added. "We will ensure a thorough investigation, hold him strictly accountable, and bring him before the judgment of the law."
Prosecutor Park faces allegations that he held a so-called "salmon drinking party" and attempted to coerce specific testimony while investigating figures including Lee Hwa-young, former Gyeonggi Province vice governor for peace, in connection with the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case.
The Ministry of Justice announced the same day that Justice Minister Jeong ordered a suspension of duties for Prosecutor Park, who is under an internal inspection for alleged misconduct including violations of professional obligations and remarks and actions raising doubts about investigative fairness during the North Korea remittance case probe.