‘검언유착 사건’ 수사 이정현 고검장, 징계 불복 소송 패소…“징계사유 적법”

Investigating prosecutor 이정현, who once led the “조선유착 사건” investigation at Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, has lost his appeal against a disciplinary penalty imposed by the Ministry of Justice. The Seoul High Administrative Court, in its first-instance judgment on December 20, ruled that the plaintiff had lost the case.

The plaintiff also had to bear the costs of the case. Earlier, the Prosecutor General's Office had requested disciplinary action against 이정현 on the grounds of failure to meet one's duty, and the Ministry of Justice held a disciplinary committee meeting in April of the following year to impose a one-month suspension for honesty. This decision was based on the fact that he failed to submit the research paper on time and did not receive permission to extend the submission deadline. 이정현 appealed against the disciplinary measure and requested administrative leave, but his requests were both rejected in the 1st and 2nd hearings last year.

The court determined that the grounds for the disciplinary action were valid, as they constituted a violation of his duty to comply with the Operational Regulations of the Ministry of Justice. The court noted that this regulation, while not having external binding force, carries internal effect within the administrative organization and that the plaintiff had a duty to comply with the rule unless there are special circumstances.

The court also pointed out that, despite being assigned the rank of prosecutor for two years, 이정현 failed to submit any research results or progress reports, even when requested by the Ministry of Justice numerous times. 이정현's behavior was considered to undermine public trust in the prosecutor's office and tarnish the reputation of the prosecutor.

Additionally, the court deemed that the one-month suspension for honesty was excessive, given that 검사 (prosecutors) are expected to demonstrate higher moral standards and a greater sense of responsibility compared to general civil servants.