Park Beom-gye on calls to slow prosecution reform... "Ultimately, investigation and prosecution must be separated"

Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] On the 24th, Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, clearly stated his position on the abolition of the prosecution's direct investigation authority, emphasizing the 'separation of investigation and prosecution.'

Minister Park held a press conference at the Daejeon Probation Office in Jung-gu, Daejeon, in the morning and said, "Considering the prosecution's capability and qualities related to investigating major crimes, ultimately, investigation and prosecution must be separated."

Regarding some media reports on the 'speed adjustment theory' of prosecution reform, he said, "It seems to be broadly handled under the expression 'speed adjustment theory,'" and added, "I did not request this to the President, nor did the President use such an expression."

He also stated, "I asked the party (the Democratic Party of Korea) to review the discussion on the separation of investigation and prosecution along with the diagnosis of the prosecution organization, personnel, and system."

Furthermore, he said, "Before being a minister, I am a member of the ruling party with 175 seats," and added, "Naturally, if an opinion is formed within the party's stance, I will follow it." He continued, "In fact, various opinions are being exchanged even within the Democratic Party's Prosecution Reform Special Committee."

Regarding why he did not visit the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office during his afternoon schedule at the Daejeon High Prosecutors' Office, he explained, "It was not removed by my will, but I do not want to be misunderstood, so I am not going."

The Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office is currently investigating the allegations of manipulation of the economic feasibility evaluation of the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant.

Minister Park also emphasized his connection with Kang Nam-il, Chief Prosecutor of the Daejeon High Prosecutors' Office. He said, "When I was engaged in legislative activities, he was a professional committee member dispatched to the National Assembly, and we had many conversations related to prosecution reform," adding, "I will share opinions about our country's high prosecutors' office system."

Minister Park is scheduled to visit the Daejeon High Prosecutors' Office at 3:20 p.m. that day to hold a meeting with Chief Prosecutor Kang and other executives.