▲ Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho arriving for work
Following the passage of a revised Criminal Procedure Act in the National Assembly that completely abolishing prosecutors' investigative powers, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated, "If unexpected side effects emerge along this path we are treading for the first time, contrary to our good intentions or expectations, we should not hesitate to quickly supplement and revise them."
In a post uploaded to Facebook today (the 31st), Minister Jeong wrote, "Prosecutors can no longer investigate. A fundamental change begins now," adding these remarks.
Jeong explained, "The success or failure of reform does not lie in changing the existing order itself, but in how much more prosperous and enriched it makes the lives of the people. Towering ideals, lofty justifications, and grandiose slogans are all secondary. The most important thing is whether it provides practical help to the public and people's livelihoods."
He went on to say, "History across time and space proves that reforms driven only by ideals and justifications without tangible results will be shunned by the common people, citizens, and the public," adding, "The Ministry of Justice will also endeavor and monitor to ensure that the new criminal justice system is evaluated as a successful reform."
During a plenary session held that afternoon, the National Assembly passed the revised Criminal Procedure Act with 175 votes in favor, 2 opposing, and 1 abstention out of 178 lawmakers present.
The revised Criminal Procedure Act, spearheaded and processed by the Democratic Party of Korea and progressive opposition parties, contains provisions to completely separate investigation and indictment, thereby barring prosecutors from conducting direct investigations.
Starting in October, prosecutors' supplementary investigation powers will also be abolished, leaving them with only the authority to "request supplementary investigations" from judicial police officers.
Following the passage of the revision, Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyun expressed "a deep sense of responsibility for the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act" and tendered his resignation that day.
Minister Jeong had also previously stated through presidential aides that he had conveyed his intent to resign to President Lee Jae-myung.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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