Acting Prosecutor General Noh Manseok Sends Letter to Members: "Devastated by Abolition of Prosecutors' Office... No Sufficient Discussion or Preparation"

"Truly Sorry and Ashamed When I Think of Members' Confusion, Frustration, Sense of Injustice, and Concern"
"We Will Proactively Address Issues Such as Changes in Investigators' Affiliation and Treatment"

Noh Manseok, Acting Prosecutor General, is expressing his position on the passage of the government organization law amendment bill at the plenary session of the National Assembly on the 26th in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Noh Manseok, Acting Prosecutor General (Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office), expressed his deep sense of devastation and heavy responsibility regarding the passage of the government organization law amendment, which includes the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office, stating, "I feel an overwhelming sense of devastation and heavy responsibility at the reality that the prosecution, which has been with the people for 78 years, is being abolished without sufficient discussion or preparation."

On the morning of the 29th, Acting Prosecutor General Noh sent a letter to members of the prosecution, saying, "Above all, when I think of the confusion, frustration, sense of injustice, and concern that our members must be feeling, I am truly sorry and feel I have let you down. Since being stipulated in the Constitution at the time of its enactment, the prosecution has played a central role in upholding the rule of law-not only through direct investigations and indictments, but also by exercising judicial oversight over police investigations, enforcing sentences, supporting victims, recovering criminal proceeds, and engaging in international judicial cooperation."

He continued, "The pride in these public-interest roles has been a great source of strength for the prosecution, and through the dedication and efforts of its members, we have upheld justice and human rights in our society and protected our neighbors and communities from crime. While we humbly accept criticism that the prosecution has not earned sufficient trust from the public due to investigations that have raised suspicions of political bias, I also fully understand the sense that all the values and efforts we have tried to uphold, as well as the sleepless nights spent working at the expense of our families, now feel as if they are being completely denied."

He added, "However, regardless of any changes, the prosecution's fundamental role as a representative of the public interest-to protect the rights of the people and safeguard them from crime-must not and will not change. Even in these difficult circumstances, let us not forget our mission and do our utmost in our fundamental role as prosecutors to earn the trust of the people."

He also stated, "The Supreme Prosecutors' Office will actively submit opinions during future discussions to ensure that the criminal justice system is designed to protect the basic rights of the people and prevent any inconvenience to the public. In this process, we will do our best to listen to and reflect the opinions and insights of prosecution members."

Regarding concerns about changes in affiliation and treatment of prosecution investigators following the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, Acting Prosecutor General Noh said, "I am aware that investigators are very concerned about the instability of their status due to anticipated changes in their affiliated departments, job categories, and treatment. The government-wide Prosecution Reform Task Force, which will be established under the Prime Minister's Office, is scheduled to discuss the functions, organization, staffing, and treatment of the new agency, and we will respond proactively based on the opinions from the field."