Controversy Over Communication Inquiry... Park Beom-gye "There Is a Possibility of Human Rights Violation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye expressed concerns that the 'telecommunication data inquiry,' where investigative agencies access subscriber information without a warrant, may pose human rights violations.

On the 18th, Minister Park stated this to reporters on his way to the Government Complex Gwacheon, adding, "I believe there is now a consensus. Legislative improvements are necessary."

Earlier, on the 6th, Minister Park explained, "In the past, tens of thousands of so-called 'warrantless inquiries' were conducted by the police and prosecution. This was done without issue until the investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) targeted the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and journalists, sparking surveillance controversies. Once a consensus is formed, the Ministry of Justice will also propose alternatives."

However, the Ministry of Justice is reportedly opposing the amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act, which serves as the basis for telecommunication data inquiries that led to the widespread surveillance controversy by the CIO, citing reasons such as "hindrance to investigations and a low degree of infringement on fundamental rights," causing further debate.

According to Heo Eun-ah, a member of the People Power Party, the Ministry of Justice's criminal planning division expressed a stance of "careful reconsideration is necessary" regarding the Telecommunications Business Act amendment bill, which Heo herself sponsored, indicating differing opinions within the Ministry on human rights issues.

Meanwhile, the CIO maintains that there were no procedural problems with such telecommunication inquiries and denies that it constituted surveillance. However, civic groups and People Power Party officials have filed complaints against CIO Chief Kim Jin-wook and others on charges including abuse of authority.