Jung Sung-ho: "Expressions Like Dismantling the Prosecution Are Inappropriate... Reform Must Meet Public Expectations"

First Day at Confirmation Hearing Preparation Office on the 1st
"Consensus on Separation of Investigation and Indictment, Redistribution of Prosecution Powers"
"No Internal Resistance Expected in the Prosecution... Understanding the Need for Change"

Justice Minister nominee Jung Sung-ho stated on the 1st regarding prosecution reform, "Expressions such as the dismantling of the prosecution organization are not appropriate," and added, "Reform must be carried out in line with the expectations of the public."

Justice Minister nominee Sung Ho Jung is answering reporters' questions as he arrives for his first day at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in Jeokseon Hyundai Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 1st. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Jung made these remarks when he met with reporters around 9:18 a.m. as he arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in Jeokseon Hyundai Building on Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. He was responding to a question about whether he is focusing on organizational restructuring rather than the dismantling of the prosecution.

Jung said, "However, there is a certain level of public consensus regarding the separation of investigation and indictment, as well as the redistribution of the prosecution's concentrated powers." He continued, "For the various prosecution-related pledges made by President Lee Jaemyung during the presidential campaign, it is necessary to gather the opinions of all stakeholders, and ultimately, these issues must be decided through bipartisan agreement in the National Assembly via legislation."

Regarding concerns about internal resistance within the prosecution, Jung stated, "I do not believe there will be resistance from within the prosecution." He explained, "Except for a very small number of politically biased prosecutors, I believe that most prosecutors have a sense of responsibility and pride in serving the public." He added, "Since prosecutors are aware of the demands of the public that come with the changing times, I do not think there will be any prosecutors who disagree with President Lee's state affairs agenda and reform measures."

When asked about calls for the expedited passage of the four prosecution reform bills, Jung drew a line by saying, "That is merely an assertion." He emphasized, "Legislation should be discussed calmly by ruling and opposition lawmakers on the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly, which is the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and during the process, the opinions of all stakeholders must be collected." He added, "There are various opinions about whether the legislation should be passed quickly, but it must be sufficiently discussed and coordinated within the National Assembly."

Additionally, Jung commented on his nomination, saying, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility as I have been entrusted with a grave task at a very difficult time for the country." He continued, "What the public wants most is stability in the people's livelihood and the economy. To achieve this, I believe it is necessary to consider prosecution reform and changes to the judicial system that meet the expectations of the public, so I will approach this with great caution and careful preparation."

Previously, on June 29, President Lee nominated Jung as the first Justice Minister nominee. Jung is known as the leader of the 'Group of Seven,' which is considered President Lee's inner circle. Jung and President Lee were classmates in the 18th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute and have known each other for 38 years. Jung has served as the chair of the Special Committee on Judicial Reform and as a member of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee in the National Assembly, and is regarded as someone with a strong understanding of both the theory and practice of prosecution reform.