Controversy is growing after the prosecution's investigation review committee, which was held on June 26, decided to suspend the prosecution's investigation into Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong's alleged illegal succession of managerial control.
Civic groups and political circles are calling for transparency in the investigation committee, along with pointing out that the decision is a "Chaebol-indulgent one."
The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) said in a commentary on June 27, "The committee on pending issues under the investigation committee has recommended the suspension of the investigation and non-prosecution regarding the unfair merger of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries and the illegal succession of corporate control," adding, "We express strong regret over the decision of the members of the committee who unilaterally ruled in favor of Samsung without any logic or grounds."
In the Democratic Party of Korea, some point out that it is a "lenient decision for chaebol." Rep. Noh Woong-rae criticized on Facebook, saying, "It is an extremely unfair decision that set a precedent of 'no trial or investigation if you have money.'
"The investigation review committee was introduced with the intention of excluding political influence at the beginning stage of the prosecution's investigation," he said.
"It is not a process to rescue large companies like Samsung that have sufficient defense personnel and resources, especially the head of the group."
Rep. Park Yong-jin said, "The investigation review committee was created for the sake of the public interest, and it is embarrassing to recommend a non-prosecution of Vice Chairman Lee, who has more money and power than anyone else in South Korea."
The prosecution's investigation review committee was created in 2018 with the aim of increasing transparency in the prosecution's handling of cases. Of 150 to 250 experts from all walks of life, 15 will be selected through a lottery for each case.
After hearing the explanation of the prosecution and lawyers on the case, it will make a decision with the majority's approval. The investigation review committee's decision is a recommendation, but so far, the prosecution has not refused to accept it.
The real names of the members participating in the investigation review committee will not be disclosed, nor will separate minutes be prepared. The measure is said to be aimed at preventing lobbying the committee members, but as a result, it is possible for the committee members to make decisions without being monitored by public opinion.
In this regard, some members' real names were recently disclosed in a daily newspaper, but the article has been deleted. Therefore, some point out that Samsung could have known the real names of its members.
This "secrecy" has come under fire after the decision to suspend the investigation into Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong was made.
Meanwhile, the prosecution will consider taking the final action against Lee after compiling the investigation results and opinions of the investigation review committee so far. Many say that the investigation team is unlikely to accept the commission's recommendation, as it has even requested a warrant earlier.
However, some predict that the prosecution will face a burden on the prosecution as it has followed all eight recommendations from the committee since the system was implemented in 2018.
