The Shameless Show of Judicial Impunity

KO YONG-CHUL Reporter

korocamia@naver.com | 2025-07-16 16:50:59

 

The domestic judicial system is corrupting to an unimaginable degree. The judiciary's practice of condoning the blatant impunity of public officials, despite numerous pieces of evidence, is worsening day by day. We frequently witness a reality where those under investigation for corruption charges are virtually acquitted, and those who commit dishonest acts are even rewarded.

Every day, we feel the humiliation of being slapped by this dishonest reality. Former high-ranking officials, entangled with the highest powers, shamelessly walk free from detention facilities. They comfortably stay at home while awaiting trial, and there's even a high probability they'll return to high-paying positions. It's as if something out of a fairy tale is happening in reality.

Those who have always belonged to the 'untouchable realm' and those who have newly entered the dirty, disgusting world where political influence dictates decisions, almost invariably use the same tactics. They know that even if their freedom is temporarily curtailed, they can regain their privileges through secret deals among the elite.

This is how the temporary 'scapegoats' operate. Everything is already agreed upon, and all that's needed is a little patience. They just brazenly confront media criticism and reports of all kinds of illegal activities, fraud, and astronomical misappropriation of funds. All of this is merely a play, like ugly chess pieces moved by the influence of a phone call from the elite, threats, prosecutor dismissals, and judicial appointments.

The easy way the political establishment controls the judiciary, the legal decisions blatantly benefiting those in power being made without any shame, and the endless litigation delays and recusals used to drag out or even extinguish lawsuits feel like a horror movie to the public. Already exhausted, the public merely watches this unending circus.

Meanwhile, for 'ordinary people,' the aspiration for swift and affordable justice is merely an illusion. For those beyond the benevolent hand of decision-makers' influence, justice remains distant. The public's pockets are hit, and the incompetence of the current government becomes more blatant as time goes on. They are explicitly demonstrating the petty behavior of "rewarding friends and punishing enemies."

No matter what illegal acts corrupt public officials commit, their political comrades blindly defend them. Even photos taken with the owner of an illegally acquired 'quincho' (a luxury party venue) adorn the media and social media every day. With the old excuse of "political persecution," immoral acts are constantly defended in public.

This situation is highly corrupt, with corruption and institutional deficiencies becoming commonplace. There is almost no punishment for public officials who undermine the sound management of public funds and hide within parliamentary seats, enjoying all sorts of privileges. Their personal salaries and other benefits are increasing exponentially, something unimaginable in the private sector.

Domestic analyses and international organization reports express concern about the nation's image. Although it has achieved the long-desired investment grade rating, the country still faces internal challenges of eradicating legal instability and an unending wave of corruption. This is like the always unstable leg of a table, constantly shaking the nation's balance.

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