[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 14th, Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, revealed that he conveyed to the Blue House the intention of Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo to meet President Moon Jae-in and propose the exercise of a veto against the "Complete Removal of Prosecution's Investigation Rights" (Geomsu Wanbak) bill.
As he arrived at the Government Complex Gwacheon that day, Minister Park said, "As the minister in charge, I conveyed the Prosecutor General's request for a presidential meeting to the Blue House," adding, "I think my opinion should be included to some extent, but it does not seem to be the stage for the president to make a decision yet."
He continued, "The reason for the Prosecutor General's meeting request is clear, but there is also a Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting in the National Assembly today, and future National Assembly schedules must be taken into account."
Regarding Han Dong-hoon, Deputy Director of the Judicial Research and Training Institute (Chief Prosecutor), being nominated as Minister of Justice by President-elect Yoon Seok-youl, Minister Park refrained from commenting, saying, "I will speak at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee." However, in response to Prosecutor General Kim's remark that Han's investigative ability is outstanding, he said, "They say the sword was taken away and the pen was given, but the assessment that his investigative ability is excellent does not seem accurate, and that appears to be the Prosecutor General's personal opinion."
He added, "The essence is the fairness of prosecution investigations, and investigative ability is a secondary issue," and continued, "If you oppose Geomsu Wanbak, there should be a plan on what to do, but there is no such answer. If chief prosecutors gathered from across the country, there should be a stance on what we will do, but it is frustrating."
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