▲ Justice Minister Sungho attends his farewell ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 26th.
Justice Minister Sungho, ahead of the launch of the Prosecution Service and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, urged officials to do their utmost regarding the implementation of the new criminal justice system, saying, "Please do your absolute best to ensure that no innocent citizens suffer injustice during this process of change."
During his farewell ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice in the Government Complex Gwacheon this afternoon (the 26th), Minister Sungho stated, "We are currently facing unprecedented, major changes. Please spare no effort to ensure there are no gaps in protecting the public during the implementation of the new criminal justice system."
Minister Sungho noted, "The criminal justice system must evolve in a direction that more safely protects citizens' daily lives and ensures no one is wronged through fair procedures, though various concerns have been raised ahead of the implementation of the new system."
He continued, "As those who bear one pillar of the criminal justice system, please do your utmost to prevent any citizens from facing injustice amid these changes. Be thoroughly prepared by proactively devising supplementary measures for foreseeable issues before implementation, and ensure swift improvements for any problems that arise afterward."
In addition, Minister Sungho emphasized the importance of crime prevention and recidivism reduction.
"Prevention and recidivism reduction are even more important than punishment for crimes," Minister Sungho stated, adding, "Strive to prevent even a single crime in advance and strengthen response capabilities against steadily increasing juvenile delinquency."
Regarding the overcrowding issue in correctional facilities, he pointed out, "We must bear in mind that if this is not resolved, the correctional objectives of reforming inmates and preventing recidivism cannot be achieved."
Having taken office in July of last year as the inaugural Justice Minister of the Lee Jae-myung administration, Minister Sungho led the prosecution reform phase, which included the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office and the establishment of the Prosecution Service and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency.
Minister Sungho cited the expansion of organizations, personnel, and budgets, responses to livelihood-infringing crimes, amendments to the Commercial Act, and consecutive victories in large-scale Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) cases as achievements during his tenure.
He also mentioned the expanded support for crime victims through 365 Smile Centers, the introduction of seizure-exempt livelihood accounts, and the establishment of an investigation team for immigrant human rights violations as accomplishments.
Minister Sungho said, "Despite the dedication of the Ministry of Justice officials, it has been truly heartbreaking to face the reality that the ministry has lost public trust."
Quoting Confucius' phrase meaning that a state cannot stand without trust, he emphasized, "A nation cannot exist without the trust of its people, and if we fail to gain public trust, neither law nor justice can stand firmly."
He concluded, "Each and every one of you focusing solely on the public from your respective positions and fulfilling your roles faithfully is the only way to rebuild public trust. As I return to the National Assembly, I will also fulfill my role and wholeheartedly support the Ministry of Justice."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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