Position on Constitutional Court's Decision That 'Geomsu Wanbak' Is Not Invalid
Regarding Concerns Over 4·3 Banners, "The People Know History Well"
Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok stated on the 24th regarding the Constitutional Court's decision that the so-called "complete removal of prosecutorial investigative authority" (Geomsu Wanbak) legislation is not invalid, "I sincerely hope that there will be no legislation with procedural or process issues in the future."
During his visit to the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office that day, Lee met with reporters and said, "The ruling of the Constitutional Court, the highest constitutional interpretation body in our country, seems to mean that even if there are procedural and process problems or unconstitutionality, it respects the legislative branch as the people's representative institution and does not invalidate the legislation."
Lee further explained, "It means that although there are procedural and process issues, the effect of the legislation is recognized." He added, "If I may add one more thing, I sincerely hope that there will be no procedural or process problems in the legislative process of bills directly related to the protection of the people's fundamental rights in the future," and stated, "The prosecution will flawlessly perform its role of protecting the people's fundamental rights and safeguarding the public from crime under any system and law."
Regarding the banners distorting the April 3 Incident recently displayed throughout Jeju, Lee said, "Through media reports, I have heard that residents are very concerned about the recently posted banners," but added, "However, since I believe the public is sufficiently knowledgeable and understands history well, I do not think there is a reason for great concern."
On the possibility of direct prosecution investigations, he said, "The April 3 Special Act specifies not to defame the victims and bereaved families, but it does not include separate punishment provisions," and "Also, as far as I know, this area is not included within the scope of the prosecution's direct investigation. What is important is to fully understand and not forget history."
Visiting Jeju to encourage frontline prosecutors, Lee's first schedule that morning was to visit the April 3 Peace Park to offer flowers and incense at the memorial altar. This visit by the Prosecutor General to the April 3 Peace Park comes two years after former Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo first visited the park in 2021. Lee was appointed as the Chief Prosecutor of Jeju District in June 2021 and served until May last year.
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