Prosecutor Criticizes Colleague Over Disclosed Texts with Justice Minister

A dispute has erupted within the South Korean prosecution service after Prosecutor Gong Bong-sook of the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office publicly criticized the actions of Lim Eun-jeong, head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutor’s Office, regarding the disclosure of text messages exchanged with Justice Minister Jeong Sung-ho. The controversy centers on concerns about transparency and potential political interference in ongoing investigations, specifically the Incheon Customs drug case.

Background of the Dispute

The conflict began when Prosecutor Lim publicly released text messages with Justice Minister Jeong on Facebook. According to Prosecutor Lim, Minister Jeong frequently provides suggestions via text message and email, with the most recent exchange occurring in December. Prosecutor Lim’s stated intention was to demonstrate that no directives regarding the cancellation of any indictments had been received.

Content of the Disclosed Texts

The released text messages pertain to the Incheon Customs drug case. Prosecutor Lim had sent a message to Minister Jeong stating the case was being independently and rigorously investigated at the request of President Lee Jae-myung and Minister Jeong, seeking confirmation to proceed. Minister Jeong responded, indicating awareness due to a cabinet meeting and lunch engagement, and instructed, “Deal with it as an enemy.”

Prosecutor Gong’s Criticism

Prosecutor Gong Bong-sook responded with a post on the prosecution’s internal bulletin board, deeming both the content and the format of Prosecutor Lim’s disclosure “very inappropriate.” Gong questioned whether the lack of communication regarding indictment cancellations justified claims of “groundless truth.” Gong also inquired whether Prosecutor Lim sought prior approval from the Ministry of Justice before contacting the Minister directly, pointing out that the Minister’s authority is limited to directing and supervising the Prosecutor General on specific cases.

Prosecutor Gong criticized Prosecutor Lim for seeking “confirmation” from the Minister on a matter already reported to the Ministry of Justice through official channels, suggesting this action amounted to urging processing, which Gong considered “an unbecoming action.” Gong also raised concerns about whether Minister Jeong had consented to the disclosure of the text messages, suggesting such an action would be “absurd.”

Recent Personnel Changes in the Prosecution

This internal dispute follows recent leadership changes within the prosecution service, coinciding with the appointments of Justice Minister nominee Jeong Seong-ho, Vice Minister Lee Jin-soo, and Chief of Civil Affairs Bong Wook. Notably, Lim Eun-jeong was recently appointed as the head of the Major Economic Crimes Investigation Unit at the Daejeon District Prosecutors’ Office [KBS News].

Minister Jung’s Previous Warning

This is not the first instance of scrutiny surrounding Prosecutor Lim. In September 2025, Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho cautioned Lim Eun-jeong, then chief of the Seoul Dongbu District Prosecutors’ Office, to “exercise caution regarding remarks or actions that could raise doubts about political neutrality or fairness in her duties” [Chosun].

Ongoing Scrutiny

The public disagreement between the two prosecutors highlights ongoing scrutiny within the South Korean prosecution service, particularly concerning the handling of sensitive cases and the potential for political influence. [Chosun]