"Prosecution Reform Is a Core Task... Time to Resolve the Separation of Investigative and Indictment Powers"
"Side Effects Such as Public Inconvenience from Reform Will Be Minimized"
Justice Minister nominee Sung Ho Jung is answering questions from lawmakers at the confirmation hearing held by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
Justice Minister nominee Jung Sung Ho made it clear that reform of the prosecution is inevitable, stating, "The separation of the prosecution's investigative and indictment powers is an irreversible direction for reform."
At the National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 16th, Jung said, "Prosecution reform is a core task facing legal administration," and added, "It is time to resolve the issue of separating the investigative and indictment powers of the prosecution, which has been raised since the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Act in 1954."
He continued, "The separation of investigative and indictment powers is an irreversible direction for reform, in order to ensure the political neutrality of the prosecution, to disperse excessively concentrated powers, and to provide checks and balances among investigative agencies."
However, Jung also stated that any side effects, such as public inconvenience resulting from prosecution reform, must be minimized.
Jung said, "There must be no side effects in the reform process that cause inconvenience or anxiety to the public, and the excellent criminal investigation capabilities accumulated by the prosecution and the police over time must not be undermined." He continued, "If I become the Minister of Justice, I will actively consult with the National Assembly on both the blueprint and concrete measures for prosecution reform."
He also emphasized, "Institutional improvement is not the end but the beginning," and added, "We must continuously correct and supplement the system so that the changes can take root, and ensure a smooth transition to the new judicial system while improving organizational culture."
In addition, Jung stated that he would faithfully fulfill the Ministry of Justice's fundamental role of creating a 'country safe from crime' by strictly cracking down on crimes that harm people's daily lives, such as drug offenses, sex crimes, and voice phishing.
Furthermore, Jung said he would establish a dedicated immigration agency to develop future-oriented immigration policies in consideration of low birth rates and an aging population, and would also work to improve correctional administration, addressing issues such as overcrowding and the effectiveness of correction and rehabilitation.
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