Minister of Justice Park Seong-jae: "Difficult for Prosecutors to Function in Fact-Finding... Institutional Improvements Needed"

After the National Meeting of High Prosecutors and District Prosecutors, Executive Meeting... "Procedures Complicated After Investigation Authority Adjustment"

Park Seong-jae, Minister of Justice, announced plans to improve the criminal justice system after holding a meeting with chief prosecutors of high prosecutors' offices and district prosecutors' offices nationwide.

Minister of Justice Park Seong-jae. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

On the morning of the 3rd, Minister Park explained the results of the nationwide meeting of high and district prosecutors held last month during the weekly executive meeting at the Ministry of Justice, stating, "Since the adjustment of investigative authority, investigative procedures have become excessively complicated, and the responsibility between investigative agencies has become unclear, confirming the inefficiency of the criminal justice system and the intensification of investigation delays." He added, "It was also confirmed that the prosecution's function of swift and accurate fact-finding has become difficult to operate properly."

He continued, "Despite difficult conditions, the dedication and sacrifice of prosecution members have sustained the system," adding, "Considering that the prosecution's mission is to swiftly and accurately identify crimes and realize criminal justice, it is true that the public perceives shortcomings."

He emphasized, "We will prepare various manpower restructuring plans such as selecting experienced prosecutors, increasing the number of prosecutors, and improving personnel allocation to enhance the efficiency of prosecution work and support prompt and accurate task processing."

Furthermore, Minister Park expressed concern that crimes such as voice phishing, online gambling, and online phishing impersonating celebrities have not been eradicated easily.

Minister Park stated, "The fundamental cause lies in the delayed development of the criminal justice system, which does not meet global standards," and added, "We must steadily and thoroughly prepare the legal and institutional improvements that need to be made."

He continued, "Although none of these tasks are easy, let us solve them one by one starting with what is possible," and urged, "The Prosecution Bureau should closely consult with the prosecution and prepare effective improvement measures based on an accurate diagnosis of the frontline situation."

Minister Park held a series of meetings starting with the nationwide high prosecutors' office chiefs meeting on the 18th of last month, followed by the nationwide district prosecutors' office chiefs meeting on the 25th, and the financial and metropolitan prosecutors' office chiefs meeting on the 29th, discussing issues related to investigation delays and solutions.