Presidential Office Seeks to Defuse Prosecution Reform Dispute Between Party and Government... Woo Sangho: "A Natural Debate"

Attending the Democratic Party Lawmakers' Workshop
Easing Tensions Between the Democratic Party and Jung Sungho
Woo Stresses, "It Is Not Right to Single Out Individuals for Criticism"

Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, sought to defuse tensions regarding differences between the Democratic Party and the government over prosecution reform, describing the situation as a "natural process."

Speaking to reporters at the Democratic Party lawmakers' workshop held at the Paradise City Hotel in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on the afternoon of August 28, Woo stated, "Currently, the government and the Democratic Party are in the process of proposing and gathering opinions on various details. I believe that, through the process of public discussion, these opinions will eventually be consolidated."

Recently, Minister of Justice Jung Sungho expressed concerns that establishing a National Investigation Committee under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety could lead to a concentration of power. He also called for a review of proposals such as referring cases not forwarded by the police to the prosecution and the complete abolition of the prosecution’s supplementary investigative authority.

In contrast, Min Hyungbae, chairman of the Special Committee on Prosecution Reform, told reporters the previous day that the draft had not yet been made public and expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "The party leadership seems to think that Minister Jung Sungho may have gone too far." As the controversy grew, Minister Jung attended the workshop and attempted to calm the situation, stating, "The initiative for legislation lies with the party, not the government. I will follow the party's decisions and engage in thorough discussions accordingly."

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Regarding the conflict between the party and the government, Woo said, "Recently, President Lee Jaemyung suggested that the Democratic Party and the government should go through a process of public discussion on prosecution reform, with the aim of gauging public opinion. This means listening to experts and considering the views of the public," adding, "It is not right to single out and attack individuals just because there are some differences of opinion in this process. I believe we should move toward constructive debate."

He continued, "Minister Jung’s remarks should be seen as his opinion as the Minister of Justice. The Presidential Office is currently listening individually to the opinions of the Minister of Justice, the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Prosecution Reform, and members of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. There are not only differences between the party and the government, but also a wide range of opinions within the party itself."

Woo emphasized, "It may appear as if there are no differences within the party or the government and only between the two, but in reality, even experts have differing views on this issue. I believe we are entering a kind of public discussion process where various opinions are being presented, and the Presidential Office is closely observing all of this."

Regarding the passage of the amendment to the Government Organization Act, which includes the dissolution of the Prosecution Service, before the Chuseok holiday, Woo said, "The goal of passing it before Chuseok is to reorganize the government structure. The plan is to separate the organizations responsible for investigations and those responsible for prosecutions, and this will proceed as scheduled without any setbacks. The current discussions are about how the agencies in charge of investigations and prosecutions will carry out their respective functions after the dissolution of the Prosecution Service."

He added, "I don't understand why the emergence of diverse opinions is interpreted as conflict. Even after the Government Organization Act is passed in September, discussions are expected to continue for several months."

Woo stated, "If an agreement cannot be reached, we can make gradual revisions. The most important thing is to produce a consensus-based agreement with the highest level of support. Even if an agreement is not reached by September 25, as Representative Jung announced for the passage of the amendment, that does not mean prosecution reform is impossible. If it can't be passed on the 25th, it can be done on the 26th or 27th," reiterating his commitment to pushing the reform forward.

Meanwhile, regarding the timing of the announcement for the amendment of the stock transfer income tax, Woo said, "Wasn't it already announced that it wouldn't be done quickly? The Presidential Office's position is that it will not be done in a hurry, and we are carefully listening to the opinions of the lawmakers."