"I have not discussed prosecutorial reform with President Lee"
"Prosecutorial reform will follow the President's pledge"
"Consultation with the opposition must not harm the public"
On the 30th, Justice Minister nominee Jung Sungho stated, "We must work closely with the opposition parties to pursue prosecutorial reform that does not harm the public."
Jung, a five-term lawmaker, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on this day, "Currently, the prosecution has lost the public's trust and is unable to fulfill its role," and added, "I believe we must work with the opposition parties so that the prosecution can regain public trust."
Regarding his comment on whether it would be difficult to maintain the name 'Prosecutors' Office,' he explained, "As stated in the bill to abolish the Prosecutors' Office Act, names such as 'Public Prosecution Office' and 'Indictment Office' are mentioned, so my point was whether it would be possible to continue using the name 'Prosecutors' Office' as before."
When asked how much consensus he had reached with President Lee Jaemyung regarding the direction of prosecutorial reform, Jung replied, "I have not yet discussed this matter with President Lee," and added, "The direction of prosecutorial reform should follow the President's pledge to separate investigation and indictment, and legislative discussions should take place in the National Assembly through negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties." He further stated, "Since these discussions should take place after I become Minister, my priority is to successfully complete the confirmation hearing."
Previously, on the 11th, the Democratic Party introduced a 'prosecutorial reform bill' that calls for abolishing the Prosecutors' Office and establishing the Public Prosecution Office, Major Crimes Investigation Office, and National Investigation Commission as its main provisions. Regarding this bill, Jung also stated, "It should be discussed with caution."
The previous day, President Lee nominated Jung as the first Justice Minister. Jung is known as the leader of the 'Group of Seven,' a close circle of President Lee. He was also in the 18th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute with President Lee, and they have been together for 38 years. Jung is recognized as someone with a deep understanding of both the theory and practice of prosecutorial reform, having served as chair of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Judicial Reform and as a member of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.
Jung plans to state his position regarding his nomination as Minister when he arrives at Jeokseon Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul at 9 a.m. on July 1, without holding a separate press conference.
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