‘Geomsuwanbak’ Prosecutor Leadership Resigns... Park Beom-gye “Must Consider Responsibilities”

Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye is answering questions from reporters as he arrives at the Ministry of Justice in the Government Complex Gwacheon, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do on the morning of the 22nd. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye expressed regret over the total resignation of the prosecution leadership in response to the backlash against the compromise proposal on 'Geomsu Wanbak (Complete Removal of Prosecution's Investigative Authority)'.

On the 22nd, while leaving the Ministry of Justice Government Gwacheon Office, Minister Park told reporters, "The resignations of Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo and the high prosecutors general are emotionally difficult in many ways," adding, "I think this is a time to deeply reflect on the authority and responsibilities entrusted by the people."

He continued, "Prosecutor General Kim was very earnest about his intention to resign," but added, "Since the resignation has not yet been accepted, he will consider it further."

On the same day in the morning, National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok conveyed the compromise proposal on the Geomsu Wanbak bill, consisting of eight items, to both ruling and opposition party floor leaders. The compromise includes a provision to completely abolish the prosecution's direct investigative authority after a certain grace period.

Both ruling and opposition parties expressed their willingness to accept the compromise and agreed to process it during the April extraordinary session of the National Assembly.

After the National Assembly accepted the compromise, Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo stated, "I will take responsibility for all situations and submit my resignation." Deputy Prosecutor General Park Seong-jin and high prosecutors general nationwide also followed Kim's lead and collectively expressed their intention to resign.

Minister Park refrained from commenting extensively on the compromise, saying, "Since it is the judgment of the National Assembly, the representative institution of the people, it is difficult to say much."