Prosecutor Park Sang-yong's Father Defends Son Amid Criticism: 'He's Old Enough to Make His Own Decisions'

Amid ongoing criticism from the Democratic Party of Korea directed at Prosecutor Park Sang-yong, his father has indicated his wish for the attacks on his son to cease, stating, "He's at an age where he can decide his own affairs."

During the investigation into the Ssangbangul Group's remittance to North Korea case, Prosecutor Park Sang-yong faced criticism from the Democratic Party of Korea. The DP claimed the prosecution fabricated the case to indict then-opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, but Prosecutor Park denied allegations of fabrication, stating that the facts of the remittance case were recognized in the trial of former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young and were confirmed by a Supreme Court ruling. The Democratic Party referred to Prosecutor Park as a 'political prosecutor,' mentioned custodial investigation, and claimed he was preparing to enter politics.

On April 6th, the Ministry of Justice suspended Prosecutor Park's duties, citing a violation of the obligation for political neutrality. The second special investigation team probing the Ssangbangul Group's remittance to North Korea case booked Prosecutor Park as a suspect on April 8th and imposed an overseas travel ban.

Kim Min-jeon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, commented on Prosecutor Park's father via social media (SNS), describing him as "a righteous individual who worries greatly for the country." Rep. Kim relayed that Prosecutor Park's father had said, 'My son has done nothing wrong except catch a thief.'

Prosecutor Park Sang-yong's father, identified as Mr. Park, has a history of political activity and social activism. He ran as a candidate for Gangnam District Councilor under the Saenuri Party in the 2014 local elections and for Gangdong District Mayor under the Bareun Mirae Party in the 2018 local elections but was not elected. In 2021, he established and led a group supporting Yoon Suk-yeol, who was then a presidential candidate. He also applied for proportional representation nomination from the People Future Party for the 2024 general election but was unsuccessful. Additionally, he has experience in civic group activities, including serving as co-representative of the National Movement to Abolish Privileges and branch head of the Taxpayers' Movement for Proper Use of Taxes.

In a phone call with Ilyo Shinmun, Prosecutor Park's father, Mr. Park, stated that he is not currently engaged in political activities. Regarding his son's recent situation, he said, "He's at an age where he can decide his own affairs." He added, "Is it a crime for a prosecutor to investigate and send a case to court?" and pleaded, "My son has declared he is not entering politics, so please stop harassing him."