The Blue House denies rumors of legal action against Yu Si-min... states its position on Supreme Court justice nomination and DMZ landmine allegations

The Blue House denied reports that it was considering legal action against writer Yoo Simin. Senior Secretary for Public Relations and Communication Seong Gihong said in a broadcast interview on the 29th, “Nothing has been decided at present, and nothing has been specifically reviewed.” Previously, writer Yoo criticized President Lee Jaemyung’s remarks on prosecutorial reform, and the Blue House had expressed regret over claims that distorted the facts. Senior Secretary Seong explained that the president and the Blue House are not trying to block criticism itself, and that constructive suggestions are welcome. However, he drew a line against interpretations that, as some media reports suggested, legal action is actually under consideration. He also said to Chief Justice Cho Heedae of the Supreme Court that judicial independence does not come from the Chief Justice freely placing whomever he wants on the bench, but from upholding the Constitution and guaranteeing the people’s right to a trial. He also stated that the Chief Justice’s side should speed up the procedure for recommending a successor justice. In addition, regarding the explosion of a suspected North Korean landmine laid in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), he said the government has absolutely no intention of delaying or concealing the investigation. He explained that the military’s response will be reviewed after the results of the factfinding investigation.