Seoul, South Korea – A handwritten note containing the phrase “Everyone is abandoned and XX” was revealed during a National Assembly hearing on prosecution reform, sparking controversy and raising questions about internal sentiment within the prosecution service. Democratic Party lawmakers,alongside Seo Young-kyo,publicly displayed the memo during the legislative hearing held by the National Assembly’s Judicial Judicial Commission on September 5,2025.
The note was reportedly discovered by a prosecutor investigating the “Gwanbong rights” case – details of which remain sensitive – and its contents suggest deep frustration and a sense of betrayal among investigators. The revelation comes at a critical juncture as the National Assembly debates significant changes to the powers and structure of the prosecution service, reforms strongly advocated by the ruling party but fiercely opposed by many within the prosecutorial ranks. The disclosure is expected to further inflame tensions between the government and prosecutors,potentially complicating the passage of the proposed legislation and raising concerns about the morale and independence of the investigative body.The ”Gwanbong Rights” investigation centers on allegations of corruption and abuse of power involving high-ranking officials,according to sources familiar with the case.the note’s author and the specific context in which it was written remain unclear, but its emergence during the hearing has fueled speculation about the pressures faced by prosecutors involved in sensitive investigations. The Democratic Party has characterized the note as evidence of undue political interference in prosecutorial work, while proponents of the reforms argue that the changes are necessary to curb prosecutorial overreach and ensure accountability.
