Amendment to the Government Organization Act Passes National Assembly
Silent on Maintaining Supplementary Investigation Authority
Norman Seok, the acting Prosecutor General, expressed his regret over the passage of the amendment to the Government Organization Act-which includes the abolition of the prosecution office-at the National Assembly plenary session. Nevertheless, he stated that he would ensure there would be no gaps in the criminal justice system.
On September 26, when reporters asked for his opinion on the passage of the amendment as he was leaving the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Acting Prosecutor General Norman Seok said, "I am saddened by this," but added, "I respect the decision of the National Assembly."
He went on to say, "I will do my utmost to ensure that the criminal justice system continues without any gaps or disruptions in the future."
When asked, "What do you think about the view that the prosecution leadership failed to demonstrate leadership?" and "Do you believe the authority to conduct supplementary investigations should be maintained?" he replied, "I will address that at another time," choosing not to elaborate. To the question, "What is your opinion on the claim that the prosecution is not a constitutional institution?" he also responded, "I will answer that next time."
With the passage of the amendment at the National Assembly on this day, the prosecution office will be renamed the Public Prosecution Office after a one-year grace period, starting in September next year, and will be responsible for filing and maintaining indictments.
Previously, on September 24, ahead of the plenary vote, Acting Prosecutor General Norman Seok issued an unscheduled statement, saying, "Erasing the 'prosecution' as stipulated in the Constitution could become a blemish on successful prosecution reform," and requested, "Please refine the direction of proper prosecution reform."
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