South Korea's rival political parties gave mixed reactions to the resignation of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. 

In a briefing on Thursday, ruling Democratic Party spokesperson Huh Young criticized Yoon for what he called a politically motivated course of action. He said Yoon contributed to the loss of the prosecution’s value as an agency for the public, and disgraced it.

Huh said Yoon’s inaugural pledge to continue unstoppable reforms became a lie, arguing that while Yoon may not have been loyal to powerful figures as vowed, nevertheless he was loyal to the powerful prosecution.

Main opposition People Power Party spokesperson Bae June-young accused the government of causing the resignation by making Yoon a comatose top prosecutor and “plowing up” the criminal justice and judiciary systems.

Bae said Yoon’s departure means the loss of the only remaining means to keep in check what he called the government’s reckless driving, arguing that the government and its supporters will have to brace for heavy consequences. 

Minor People’s Party spokesperson Ahn Hye-jin also criticized the government and urged the top prosecutor to do his best even after his resignation to help recover fairness and justice in the nation.