Proposing 'Geomsu Wanbak,' Hwang Unha: "Prosecutor Reform Delayed to Next Administration Again? It Must Be Completed Now"

Hwang Unha, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the legislative public hearing for the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency to completely separate investigation and prosecution, held on the 23rd at the Irum Center in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Hwang Unha, a member of the Democratic Party who proposed the "Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights (Geomsu Wanbak)" bill, argued that "prosecutorial reform should not be postponed to the next administration." As the new Democratic Party leadership prioritizes public livelihood, voices from reformists within the party expressing concerns that reform may be delayed are expected to grow louder.

On the 10th, in a phone interview with Asia Economy, Rep. Hwang said, "It is natural to focus on pressing issues such as real estate and vaccines that the public is worried about, but we cannot keep dragging out the issue of prosecutorial reform indefinitely. It has been ongoing for over 20 years, and we cannot pass it on to the next administration again."

Rep. Hwang, a member of the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Prosecutorial Reform, had proposed a bill in February to completely abolish the investigative authority over six major crimes (corruption, economic crimes, public officials, elections, defense projects, and large-scale disasters) currently held by the prosecution, and instead establish the Serious Crime Investigation Agency to take over these investigations.

Rep. Hwang said, "There may be public fatigue regarding prosecutorial reform, but there is also public opinion that it should be wrapped up quickly. If more time is needed, we can discuss extending the implementation period after the law passes." The proposed bill includes a one-year grace period before enforcement, but there is room to revise this to about three years.

Members of the investigation and prosecution separation task force (TF) within the Special Committee on Prosecutorial Reform are likely to agree to demand the resumption of the committee's activities during a meeting held that day. Recently, the prosecution indicted Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, on defamation charges filed by Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon, which has further strengthened calls for prosecutorial reform. Kim Yong-min, a senior Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, stated on Facebook on the 5th, calling it an "abuse of prosecutorial power," and said, "The indictment was made at a time when Yoo Si-min's presidential candidacy is being mentioned, raising suspicions of political motives by the prosecution. This is why prosecutorial reform must be achieved as soon as possible."