President Lee Warns Prosecution Against "Trap of Infallibility"... Opposition Protests Alleged Pressure to Withdraw Indictments

Lee: "If a mistake is made, there should be an apology and cancellation" ... Did not specify what should be addressed

Blue House: "Responsibility for powerful institutions is a consistent principle in governance"

On June 2, President Lee Jae-myung underscored the responsibility that comes with the exercise of power, cautioning prosecutors against "falling into the trap of infallibility." He emphasized that even the prosecution’s investigative and indictment powers are susceptible to error, and that it is necessary to acknowledge the possibility of mistakes and correct them when identified. However, some opposition figures argued that President Lee’s mention of “cancellation” was a veiled message calling for the withdrawal of charges in cases related to himself. The Blue House countered that the president’s remarks reflected his longstanding governance principle that greater authority must be matched by greater responsibility.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Cabinet meeting combined with the Emergency Economic Inspection meeting held at the Blue House on June 2, 2026. June 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

President Lee made these remarks after receiving a national policy performance report from Gu Jahyun, Acting Prosecutor General, during the 24th Cabinet Meeting and 11th Emergency Economic Inspection Meeting held at the Sejong Hall in the main building of the Blue House on June 2. President Lee stated, “Anyone can make mistakes. If a mistake is made, an apology and cancellation should follow. This applies to all institutions.” However, President Lee did not specify what exactly should be apologized for or canceled.

President Lee highlighted the responsibility of the prosecution by referencing its legal and institutional nature. He described the prosecution as a “quasi-public interest institution, quasi-judicial body, or an institution with obligations to serve the public interest and maintain objectivity,” and added, “Since it wields tremendous power, it must also bear commensurate responsibility.” The president’s comments were interpreted as a call for the prosecution, which holds significant influence within the criminal justice process, to recognize the possibility of error and proactively make corrections.

In his report, Acting Prosecutor General Gu explained the prosecution’s achievements in responding to crimes that infringe on the livelihoods of citizens, financial crimes, and acts that disrupt market order such as collusion. He also pledged to actively participate in future discussions on the criminal justice system and to fulfill the core work of ensuring public safety and the protection of human rights.

Koo Jahyun, Acting Prosecutor General, is listening to President Lee Jae-myung's remarks at the Cabinet Meeting and Emergency Economic Review held at the Blue House on June 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

The controversy arose from President Lee’s remarks that “if a mistake is made, an apology and cancellation should follow.” After the Democratic Party of Korea introduced a special prosecutor bill in April to investigate alleged fabricated investigations and indictments by the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration, opposition parties have been voicing concerns that the bill could result in the withdrawal of indictments in criminal cases involving President Lee. In this context, the president’s mention of “cancellation” directed at the prosecution was immediately criticized by the People Power Party and others as politically motivated.

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, claimed via social media that President Lee’s comments amounted to a public threat demanding the withdrawal of charges against himself. Choi Bo-yoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, also stated in a commentary that the president was effectively pressuring the prosecution to drop indictments, calling it a “destruction of the rule of law.” Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate running in the Busan Buk-gap parliamentary by-election, argued that the remarks laid the groundwork for pushing for the withdrawal of charges in his own case after the election.

The Blue House distanced itself from the opposition’s interpretation. A Blue House official explained, “President Lee was reiterating his consistent belief in statecraft that institutions with greater authority must carry commensurate responsibility,” adding, “His intention was to warn the prosecution against falling into the trap of believing they are infallible.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.