Jeong Sung-ho Expressed Intention to Resign 'Long Ago,' Stirring Political Circles

[Anchor]

Political circles are in a stir following the recent revelation that Minister of Justice Jeong Sung-ho has expressed his intention to resign. The ruling and opposition blocs showed contrasting reactions, with the broader ruling bloc calling it "inappropriate" and the opposition calling it "a signal of a lame duck." Minister Jeong stated, "I have conveyed my intention to resign to the Cheong Wa Dae (presidential office) for a long time."

Here is a report by reporter Jeong Yunsik.

[Reporter]

The National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee has been reviewing the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which focuses on the complete abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers, with lawmakers from the broader ruling bloc.

Minister of Justice Jeong Sung-ho expressed concern over the side effects of a complete abolition, leading to a war of words with lawmakers from the broader ruling bloc.

[Park Eun-jung / Rebuilding Korea Party Lawmaker (July 15): We are trying to reform because prosecution investigations have become problematic, and we must not solve the problems of police investigations by giving investigative powers back to prosecutors...]

[Jeong Sung-ho / Minister of Justice: Please take a close look at how the current investigative structure operates. In that process, I am making various arguments to ensure that victims are not unfairly treated.]

However, as the Democratic Party adopted the complete abolition policy as its party platform yesterday (July 24), Minister Jeong stated today, "I haven't spoken directly to the President, but I have conveyed my willingness to resign to Cheong Wa Dae aides for a long time."

Political circles interpreted this as a matter of taking responsibility for the fact that his previous arguments—such as the necessity of restoring the system for forwarding all cases even if supplementary investigation powers are abolished—were not accepted.

Today, the Democratic Party released a commentary stating that the Criminal Procedure Act amendment contains various devices to expand victims' rights, without mentioning Minister Jeong. Within the party, reactions emerged saying, "We understand his loyalty, but his resignation should be rejected." Meanwhile, the Rebuilding Korea Party launched a fierce criticism, stating, "It looks like a gesture where the minister is saying he cannot take it anymore and is providing an excuse for dereliction of duty originating from the prosecution."

On the other hand, the People Power Party argued that the Democratic Party's adoption of the abolition of supplementary investigation powers as its party platform proved to be "the government's defeat and a complete victory for the ruling party's hardliners," calling it a signal of a lame duck administration under President Lee Jae-myung.

Minister Jeong is reportedly not known to have submitted a formal letter of resignation, and a key Cheong Wa Dae official expressed the view that the minister will finish his work responsibly and well.

(Video Journalist: Lee Seung-hwan, Video Editing: Cho Mu-hwan)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.