Justice Minister Chung Seong-ho: First Time Seeing Criminal Procedure Act Amended at 'Speed of Light' — Quick Fixes Needed for Side Effects

Minister of Justice Chung Seong-ho remarked today (August 3) regarding the passage of the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which centers on abolishing prosecutors' direct supplementary investigation powers, stating, "This is the first time I have ever seen the Criminal Procedure Act amended at the speed of light," and adding, "If side effects arise, they must be fixed quickly."

Speaking with reporters after attending a commissioning ceremony for newly appointed prosecutors held at the Government Complex Gwacheon this morning, Minister Chung said, "We designed a new system with good intentions, but no one can predict how it will operate in the field."

"The criminal justice system is critically important for protecting the lives, property, and safety of the public," Minister Chung stated. "Because situations could arise where victims' harm worsens or they fail to receive proper protection due to side effects, we must make prompt amendments if the measures do not align with the realities on the ground."

However, Minister Chung clarified that the Ministry of Justice will neither file a petition for a competence dispute over the amendment nor recommend that President Lee Jae-myung exercise his veto power (request for reconsideration).

"The Ministry of Justice presented a consensus-backed proposal within the government during the bill review process, and much of that content was reflected," Chung said. "It would not be appropriate for the Ministry of Justice to file a competence dispute."

When asked by reporters whether he would recommend the president exercise the veto power, he responded, "Since the veto system was introduced, a minister has never directly been involved in this. I do not think it is appropriate for the Minister of Justice to recommend exercising the veto."

Minister Chung also reiterated his intention to resign.

"It is not because of this issue [the passage of the Criminal Procedure Act amendment], but rather due to health issues stemming from various matters," he said. "I have severe sleep disorders, which impose a considerable burden on performing my duties as Minister of Justice, so I have expressed my intent to resign."

Regarding Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyun's expression of intent to resign, Chung said, "At times like this, I urged prosecutors not to be shaken and to work with pride as those responsible for protecting the lives, property, and safety of the public. While Deputy Prosecutor General Koo's resignation is regrettable, I hope frontline prosecutors will steadfastly fulfill their assigned duties."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.