Choo Mi-ae "Do you still doubt the sincerity of the prosecution reform..."

Mention of Checks and Balances During Power Tenure... "Human Rights and Judicial Justice Will Be Protected Through Mutual Checks"

Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Justice

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae stated, "There are still internal and external views doubting the sincerity of prosecutorial reform," adding, "However, we are steadily moving forward with the spirit of perseverance."

On the 11th, Minister Choo wrote on her Facebook, "Checks and balances between branches of power are fundamental," and explained, "Through the separation of investigation by the police and prosecution by prosecutors, human rights and judicial justice will be protected within mutual checks between the police and prosecution."

She also revealed that the current adjustment of investigative authority between the police and prosecution is only a transitional phase. Minister Choo said, "The prosecution still holds direct investigative authority in many areas," and added, "I have first reduced the scope of prosecutors' investigative initiation through the Ministry of Justice's decree, limiting it to serious crimes such as corruption and economic crimes under the Special Act on the Punishment of Specific Crimes, the Special Act on Economic Crimes, or equivalent crimes, as well as election-related offenses that invalidate elections."

Furthermore, she explained, "If the police's investigative capabilities improve in the future, the time will come to relinquish prosecutors' direct investigations. Ultimately, like advanced judicial systems, investigation and prosecution will be completely separated," and emphasized, "Investigation guidelines are very important for prosecutors to serve as guardians of human rights and controllers defending criminal justice."

Minister Choo continued, "If each prosecutor does not change, the reform plan is nothing more than a piece of paper," and added, "I will do my best so that everyone can start with a sense of mission and pride." She also stated, "I have devoted myself wholeheartedly, risking my position, to include investigation guidelines that allow prosecutors to properly fulfill their roles as legal experts, not based on any organization's interests," reiterating, "If each prosecutor does not change, the reform plan is nothing more than a piece of paper. I will do my best so that everyone can start with a sense of mission and pride."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice recently announced legislative proposals, including the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Act and the Prosecutors' Office Act enforcement ordinances, to adjust investigative authority between the prosecution and police, focusing on reducing prosecutorial power. The scope of direct investigations by prosecutors has been limited to public officials of grade 4 or higher, bribery exceeding 30 million won, economic crimes exceeding 500 million won, solicitation of bribes exceeding 50 million won, breach of trust, embezzlement, and political funding crimes.