Anchor: Rival political parties remain divided over prosecutors' controversial decision not to appeal the Daejang-dong corruption case, with the main opposition rallying for the resignation of Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho. The ruling side called for restraint during President Lee Jae Myung's overseas tour of Africa and the Middle East.
Choi You Sun reports.

Report: Political clashes continued over prosecutors' decision not to appeal a ruling in the Daejang-dong corruption case involving a real estate development project awarded by Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, during President Lee Jae Myung's tenure as the city's mayor.

The main opposition People Power Party(PPP) denounced the move at a second rally on Tuesday. Dozens of lawmakers gathered in front of the justice ministry in the city of Gwacheon, just outside Seoul, calling on Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho, who has been accused of exercising undue influence over the decision, to step down.`

Calling the minister "President Lee Jae Myung's avatar," PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok said that instead of forgoing the appeal, Jung should have given up his authority to command investigations.

The opposition chief called the ministry "dictatorial" for considering demoting 18 senior prosecutors who demanded an explanation for the agency's decision.

The ruling Democratic Party(DP), on the other hand, urged its lawmakers to rein in hawkish rhetoric during Lee's overseas trip and to watch prosecutors closely for signs of a potential mass resignation. Two have already offered to step down.

Leaders of both parties are set to discuss the name and scope of the parliamentary probe into the Daejang-dong case on Tuesday afternoon.

The ruling side wants the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee to focus the investigation on prosecutors' protests against the decision to drop the case, but the main opposition is arguing that a bipartisan panel should probe alleged undue influence.

Meanwhile, the DP is reportedly also considering a judicial reform plan that would give outside figures the authority to appoint judges and take disciplinary action.
Choi You Sun, KBS World Radio News.