“The dismantling of the prosecution office, which has held unchecked power for over 70 years, is a turning point. Separation of investigation and prosecution… Establishment of major crime investigation office and prosecution office for checks and balances.”
Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 8th that the government organization law amendment, centered on the ‘dismantling of the prosecution office’ to establish the principle of separating investigation and prosecution, would be addressed in the plenary session at the end of this month (the 25th).
In the Democratic Party’s supreme committee meeting that day, Leader Jeong stated, “Dismantling the prosecution office, which has wielded unchecked power for over 70 years, marks a turning point in power reform,” adding, “We promise the people that by the return of Chuseok, we will deliver the news of the prosecution office’s abolition.” He explained, “We’ll separate investigations and prosecutions monopolized by the prosecution, and establish a major crime investigation office and a prosecution office under the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the Ministry of Justice, respectively, to achieve checks and balances.”
He further remarked, “Prosecution reform has been a failed task for successive governments. If successful this time, it is solely due to the strong will and political decision of President Lee Jae-myung,” emphasizing, “This would have been impossible without the President’s decision, and it is the President’s merit. We will ensure that follow-up measures are carried out without a hitch as one team, one voice among the Democratic Party, the government, and the presidential office.”
Leader Jeong also stressed that “Prosecution reform is fulfilling the public demand for ‘reform the prosecution, separate investigation and prosecution'” and vowed that “the Democratic Party will support the reform so that the public can feel it directly.”
Meanwhile, he addressed the so-called ‘Geonjin Beopsa ticket’ misplacement incident by the prosecution, asserting, “Prosecution reform is being pushed by the prosecution itself,” and stressed, “A thorough investigation is needed to ensure public understanding.” He added, “Regarding the possibility of a negligent investigation, the President has instructed a permanent special prosecutor, and the Democratic Party will review independent investigation measures to uncover and reveal the concealed truth.”