[Exclusive] Democratic Party's Special Committee on Prosecution Reform Reactivated... 'Geomsu Wanbak' Back on the Table

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The discussion on the complete abolition of prosecutorial investigative authority, which had been temporarily suspended within the Democratic Party of Korea, is back on the table. However, the momentum has slowed down at the final stage, making it already difficult to pass the bill within the first half of this year as originally targeted. It is also uncertain whether it will be possible within the Moon Jae-in administration's term. Considering this situation, attention is focused on whether the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Prosecutorial Reform (Special Committee) will present a new adjustment plan.

On the 7th, a Special Committee official told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Representative Song recently received reports on the Special Committee's activities through Yoon Ho-jung, the current floor leader who was the Special Committee chairman, and Representative Park Joo-min, who was the secretary. He expressed his intention to reactivate it," adding, "(I) also heard the same from Representative Song at a recent meeting. The Special Committee activities will resume this month and discussions will continue."

The Special Committee, launched at the end of last year, has already drafted a bill to completely abolish the investigative authority over six major crimes (corruption, economic crimes, public officials, elections, defense projects, and large-scale disasters) currently handled by the prosecution, and to establish a Serious Crime Investigation Agency to take over these investigations. However, as the current Democratic Party leadership emphasizes 'prioritizing people’s livelihood,' this reform task has somewhat fallen behind in priority.

A Special Committee official said, "Once activities resume, we will need to closely consult with the Blue House and the new Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo to determine the most desirable reform plan and timing." Future Special Committee activities may emerge as a major political issue as the presidential primary schedule coincides. Within the Democratic Party, the positions of each presidential candidate are expected to have a significant influence.

It is suggested that Representative Park, who led the Special Committee’s task force on separating prosecution and investigation and recently became the ruling party’s secretary of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee, may take over as the new chairman replacing Floor Leader Yoon. The so-called ‘Geomsu Wanbak’ (complete abolition of prosecutorial investigative authority) discussion was also a factor behind former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl’s resignation in early March.