Lawyer Park Jun-young, who voted 'No. 1', says "'Prosecutor's complete control abolition' will harm the weak"

Criticism of Investigation Delays After Adjustment of Investigation Authority and Establishment of Public Corruption Investigation Office
"Doubt on the Sincerity of Politicians Pushing for Complete Prosecution Investigation Reform"
"Isn't It Because They Fear Wrongdoing Being Revealed by Prosecution Investigations?"

Attorney Park Jun-young. / Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Lawyer Park Jun-young, known for specializing in retrial cases, harshly criticized the so-called 'Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights (Geomsu Wanbak)' pushed by the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "The victims will be the powerless," and expressed doubts about its sincerity.

On the 11th, Lawyer Park posted an article titled "In the Midst of Contradiction" on Facebook, stating, "The damage caused by poorly prepared reforms goes beyond the ruin of individuals and positions and leads to the misfortune of our society."

First, Lawyer Park mentioned, "It would be good to ask surrounding lawyers how the criminal justice system has changed after the adjustment of investigation rights under the name of prosecutorial reform and the establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gongsoocheo)."

He cited a survey by the Seoul Bar Association, pointing out that the police sometimes avoid cases by urging complainants to withdraw complaints or selectively accepting complaint reports. He also noted that in cases requiring difficult legal reasoning, there are instances where the investigative capability itself is questioned, investigations are delayed, and cases pile up, causing harm to the parties involved.

He also criticized Gongsoocheo. Lawyer Park said, "Gongsoocheo, established with the public's hope for fearless investigations into corrupt high-ranking officials, has prosecuted only one case in the past year," adding, "Even that one case cannot be said to be a case where the crime was directly detected. It is currently facing criticism for incompetence and unfairness, and even arguments for its abolition."

Lawyer Park also revealed that he recently declined contact from the Presidential Transition Committee. He said, "I lack the ability, and I voted for 'Number 1' in the last presidential election, so I could not hide that," explaining his reason for voting 'Number 1' as, "It was because of the expectations and hopes of the people I have defended and will defend. Still, I believe the Democratic Party will stand by those who are marginalized and aggrieved."

However, he reiterated his opposition, saying that the Democratic Party's push for Geomsu Wanbak will harm the powerless, and "I cannot just watch this contradiction."

Lawyer Park said, "I ponder the 'sincerity' of some politicians pushing for Geomsu Wanbak," questioning, "Is it because they fear their wrongdoings being revealed through prosecutorial investigations? Is it due to resentment against investigations conducted against themselves? Or is it to expand political influence over party members who hold a hardline stance on prosecutorial reform?"

He concluded his post by saying, "Criminal justice procedures should not be subject to political calculations. The primary goal must be the discovery of substantive truth and the realization of due process. I expect the conscience and conviction of the members of the National Assembly."