Prosecutor General Chae Dong-wook on Friday resigned over allegations that he has an illegitimate son. Chae once again denied the allegations, adding he hopes no similar scandals that make it hard for officials to do their jobs will happen again.
Chae's resignation comes shortly after the Justice Ministry ordered an investigation, the first time a probe has been ordered of the country's top prosecutor over a personal scandal. Officials from the prosecutors' office said Chae thought it would be inappropriate to lead the organization while he is being investigated.
The Chosun Ilbo reported last week that Chae fathered a child out of wedlock back in 2002. The prosecution had been taking a wait-and-see approach on the matter since Chae threatened to sue the daily and take a DNA test if necessary.
But the ruling Saenuri Party weighed in on Friday and asked a court to uncover the truth. The opposition Democratic Party, on the other hand, said Chae was forced out of office in an attempt by the presidential office and the nation's intelligence agency to bring the prosecution.
There is speculation that Chae is at odds with the current administration over an investigation of allegations that the National Intelligence Service meddled in last year's presidential election.
