Jung Cheongrae Says at Party Caucus: "Reviving Prosecution's Special Funds Is Problematic, but I'll Follow Leadership's Decision"

Jung Cheongrae Appears on 'Maebul Show' on July 7
"Prosecution's Special Funds to Be Used During Grace Period Before Prosecutorial Reform"

Jung Cheongrae, a Democratic Party leader candidate, stated that during a closed-door party caucus, he commented on the ruling party's push to revive the prosecution's special activity funds (special funds) in the latest supplementary budget bill, saying, "Although it is a problematic measure, I will follow it if it is being promoted by the party leadership."

Democratic Party leader candidate Jung Cheongrae is expressing his plans and determination to push forward prosecutorial reform after being elected party leader at the prosecutorial reform forum held at the National Assembly on July 2, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Appearing on the YouTube channel 'Maebul Show' on July 7, Jung said, "At the closed-door caucus, I said, 'I am someone who believes the prosecution's special funds are unnecessary, but I think certain business expenses (special business expenses) are needed depending on the situation.' I also said, '(Reviving the special funds) is a very problematic measure, but if the party leadership pushes for it, I will follow.'

He added, "At the caucus, I pointed out that last year, when I was the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, we cut the prosecution's special funds entirely. I questioned whether the public would understand this reversal, and emphasized that a thorough explanation is necessary."

Jung also said, "When I was chair of the Judiciary Committee, I told the prosecution that if they brought supporting documents, we would reflect the costs accordingly, but they did not provide any documentation for the special funds. The special business expenses were also cut entirely because they could not provide supporting documents."

When asked, "Since you plan to pursue prosecutorial reform, isn't the revival of the special funds unnecessary?" Jung responded, "Under the Lee Jaemyung administration, the prosecution office will be maintained for about a year. There will be a six-month to one-year grace period until prosecutorial reform is achieved, and during that time, costs are incurred for supplementary and secret investigations." He added, "Once the prosecutorial reform law passes and the Public Prosecution Office is established, ending the prosecution's investigative authority, I believe the special funds can be abolished."

Meanwhile, with the public petition for the expulsion of Lee Junseok, a member of the Reform Party, surpassing 600,000 signatures, Jung stated that if he becomes party leader, a hearing should be held at the Judiciary Committee level regarding Lee's expulsion. He said, "It is necessary to hold a hearing, call Lee as a witness to hear his explanation, and clearly inform the public whether there are grounds for expulsion." Lee Junseok became the center of controversy during the presidential candidate TV debate by quoting inappropriate remarks related to women's bodies.