[Full Text] Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun's Statement on the 'Follow-up Plan for Power Institution Reform'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Dear fellow citizens,

The Moon Jae-in administration, born from the power of the people, has prioritized the national agenda of creating a fair and just Republic of Korea. We have continued reforms to remove the entrenched privileges and unfair practices deeply rooted in every corner of our society.

At the end of last year, the National Assembly passed the bill establishing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the bill adjusting investigative authority between the prosecution and the police. The establishment of the CIO and the adjustment of investigative authority have been issues advocated by both ruling and opposition parties as well as civil society for over 20 years, with ongoing discussions. I myself, as the floor leader of the Uri Party in 2005, worked to legislate the establishment of the CIO.

We have now put in place institutional mechanisms to fundamentally prevent abuse of power through checks and balances among power institutions such as the prosecution, police, and the National Intelligence Service. The establishment of the CIO and the adjustment of investigative authority will serve as new stepping stones toward a society without privileges through the democratization of power institutions.

The government is striving to place the strong under the rule of law and protect the weak under the law. We will faithfully fulfill the people's demand to create a society that is fair, free of privileges, and protective of human rights.

Going forward, under my leadership as Prime Minister, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and other relevant departments will steadfastly push forward reforms of power institutions and their follow-up measures. In this process, we will listen to the voices of the people and make every effort to gain the cooperation of the National Assembly.

First, we will establish the “Preparatory Task Force for the Establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials” under the Prime Minister’s office. The “CIO Preparatory Task Force” will support all matters related to the launch of the CIO scheduled for July. The newly launched CIO will operate as an independent body conducting investigations without sanctuary.

The CIO will have prosecutorial authority over judges, prosecutors, and police officers of superintendent general rank or higher. Through the strict activities of the CIO, high-ranking officials will no longer be able to gain benefits or exert influence through corrupt means. Legal corruption, including preferential treatment for former officials, will also be eradicated.

In January this year, South Korea ranked 39th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International, re-entering the top 30 in 10 years. However, the political sector’s performance was relatively poor. This is likely why our people demand thorough investigations and strict punishment for corruption and misconduct among high-ranking power holders.

Second, we will establish the “Follow-up Task Force for the Adjustment of Investigative Authority between the Prosecution and Police.” This task force will revise subordinate laws such as general investigative guidelines and the scope of prosecutors’ authority to initiate investigations, which directly affect the lives of the people. It will work closely with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and others to adjust detailed aspects including the reorganization and staffing of the prosecution and police.

With the adjustment of investigative authority, the police will exercise primary investigative closure rights, enabling them to resolve cases more promptly than before. The prosecution will be able to focus more on protecting human rights during investigations and on prosecution and maintaining public prosecutions.

Third, we will introduce a local police system and establish a National Investigation Headquarters. To prevent the police power from becoming excessive or abused due to prosecution reform and investigative authority adjustment, we will separate and operate the national police and local police. Through the establishment of the National Investigation Headquarters and other measures, we will institutionally support and supplement the enhancement of police investigative capabilities.

The local police will protect the safety of the people from school and domestic violence or traffic accidents at a closer distance and in a faster time. The National Investigation Headquarters will enable responsible investigations by enhancing police investigative capacity and blocking interference from station chiefs.

For the people to enjoy these benefits, the passage of police reform legislation is urgent. The government will do its best to complete legislation within the 20th National Assembly session. We ask for the support of the people and active cooperation from the National Assembly.

Fourth, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) will be reborn solely as an agency that protects national security and human rights. The NIS has already abolished its domestic intelligence department entirely and is focusing on overseas and North Korea-related intelligence activities, carrying out internal reforms.

A bill to amend the NIS Act to support these reforms has been submitted to the National Assembly. We ask the 20th National Assembly to pass the NIS Act within its remaining term so that the reform of power institutions can be completed.

Our Constitution declares that “sovereignty resides in the people, and all state authority emanates from the people.” Our people demand the eradication of all unfairness, privileges, and injustice other than the power derived from the people.

As Prime Minister, I will do my utmost to fulfill this mandate from the people. For tasks where legislation has already been completed, I will closely coordinate with the Blue House and relevant ministries to thoroughly implement follow-up measures.

The government will not stop the pace of reform until all power institutions serve only the people and become agencies that empower the people. We ask for the support and encouragement of the people. Thank you.

January 31, 2020

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun