Acting Prosecutor General Noh Man-seok has offered to resign amid growing internal protests over the prosecution's decision not to appeal a ruling in a high-profile corruption case tied to President Lee Jae Myung's time as Seongnam mayor. The move has raised suspicions of undue pressure from the justice ministry. The presidential office plans to approve the resignation once formally submitted.
On November 12, 2025, in Seoul, Acting Prosecutor General Noh Man-seok offered to resign amid escalating internal protests within the prosecution. The Supreme Prosecutors Office stated that Noh has expressed his intention to step down and will unveil his stance at a farewell ceremony. This follows the prosecution's decision not to appeal a ruling in a corruption case involving a real estate development project in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, during President Lee Jae Myung's tenure as mayor.
The justice ministry and prosecution have faced criticism, with suspicions that the ministry exerted undue pressure to prevent the appeal in Lee's favor. On Sunday, Noh explained that the prosecution considered the justice ministry's opinion, as in other major cases, and the decision was made after deliberation with the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office.
Noh assumed the post about four months ago, following the voluntary resignation of former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung in July, one month after Lee took office. On Saturday, the chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office also tendered his resignation amid the controversy. The presidential office indicated it plans to approve Noh's resignation once officially submitted by Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho.
The episode highlights tensions over prosecutorial independence and potential political interference, potentially undermining trust in the justice system.
