[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, stated that the possibility of revising the regulation requiring the Minister of Justice's approval when district prosecutors' offices attempt direct investigations, as part of the prosecution's organizational reform plan, is "under review but not yet finalized."
Minister Park made these remarks on the 10th while heading to work at the Ministry of Justice's Government Gwacheon Complex, speaking with reporters.
He also emphasized, "Since there will be follow-up personnel appointments, the organizational reform plan needs to be completed as soon as possible."
He added, "Because it is more important than anything to properly establish the direction and content of the (organizational reform) plan, it is necessary to think it through thoroughly and carefully." This is interpreted to mean that more time will be needed before the plan is submitted to the Cabinet meeting and a final decision is made.
Among the organizational reforms being promoted by the Ministry of Justice, the 'ministerial approval' regulation is the most controversial. It stipulates that if a district prosecutor's office wants to conduct a direct investigation, it must obtain the minister's approval and form a separate investigation team. The prosecution opposed this. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office expressed opposition, stating, "It is difficult to accept as it undermines the political neutrality and independence of the prosecution."
Minister Park further emphasized, "I believe the broad framework of investigative authority reform, which has been implemented since January 1, must be maintained."
Earlier, he indicated that it would be difficult to fully accept the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's demands, saying, "It is hard to accept the scope of direct investigations to the extent that human rights protection or judicial control could be compromised."
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