Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho Submits Resignation, Citing Completion of Prosecution Reform Legislation

Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho submitted his resignation today (the 18th).

It is reported that he cited the completion of major prosecution reform-related legislation and health issues as the reasons for his resignation.

According to the legal community, Minister Chung submitted his resignation to the presidential office and the Ministry of Personnel Management this afternoon.

In his resignation letter, Minister Chung reportedly cited health reasons along with the explanation that "major legislation related to prosecution reform has been completed."

He also reportedly included his stance that "it is desirable for the new criminal justice system to be completed under new leadership."

Minister Chung has repeatedly hinted at the possibility of stepping down in public appearances.

When asked about his intention to express his resignation during the plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 27th of last month, he replied, "Shouldn't new wine be put into new wineskins?"

However, the presidential office has previously drawn a line regarding Minister Chung's remarks, stating, "It is not an expression of resignation."

During a closed-door cabinet meeting on the 4th, it was revealed that President Lee Jae-myung told Minister Chung to "hang in there," leading to interpretations that he was effectively discouraging him from stepping down.

If Minister Chung's resignation is accepted, Vice Justice Minister Lee Jin-soo will serve as acting minister.

(Photo: Provided by Cheong Wa Dae Press Pool, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.