Review and Approval of the Government Organization Act Amendment
"Eliminating Barriers Between Ministries Is the Top Priority"
President Requests Direct Reporting on Major Issues
Reiterates Commitment to Merit-Based Public Official Management
President Lee Jaemyung emphasized that eliminating barriers between ministries is the top priority for his administration as he reviewed and approved the amendment to the Government Organization Act, which centers on the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office and the separation of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He also requested that inter-ministerial meetings be held frequently and that major matters be reported in order to fully realize the purpose of the government reorganization.
On the 30th, during a Cabinet meeting held at the presidential office in Yongsan, President Lee stated, "With the government reorganization, it is now more important than ever for ministries to coordinate and cooperate closely in their work." He reiterated his commitment to a merit-based approach for public officials, saying, "Those who perform well will be praised and rewarded, while those who neglect discipline will be strictly punished."
Addressing the attending Cabinet members, President Lee also stressed authority and responsibility. He said, "What you do is of utmost importance," adding, "You must fully exercise your respective duties and powers, and you must also take responsibility for them."
During the Cabinet meeting, President Lee passed the amendment to the Government Organization Act, which is focused on abolishing the Prosecutors' Office and separating the Ministry of Economy and Finance. As a result, the Prosecutors' Office will be dissolved after 78 years, losing its direct investigative authority. The amendment, which was passed by the National Assembly on September 26 under the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party, removes the direct investigative function from the Prosecutors' Office, renames it the Public Prosecution Office, and establishes a new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. The amendment will take effect at the end of September next year after a one-year grace period.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment will be reorganized into the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment. All energy-related work, except for nuclear power plant export operations, which will remain under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, will be transferred to the new Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, with some functions separated, will be renamed the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will also be renamed the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Affairs. The dual role of the Minister of Education as Deputy Prime Minister will be abolished, and instead, the Minister of Science and ICT will serve concurrently as Deputy Prime Minister.
The Cabinet also passed the Act on the Establishment of the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission, which will replace the Korea Communications Commission. The bill for the establishment of the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission was passed by the National Assembly on September 27 under the leadership of the ruling party. The new commission will consist of seven members, including the chairperson, vice chairperson, and standing commissioners, with two members, including the chairperson, nominated by the President.
However, even after passing the Cabinet, controversy is expected to continue over the government reorganization. On September 29, Acting Prosecutor General Noh Manseok informed internal staff that the amendment abolishing the Prosecutors' Office could be unconstitutional. According to Article 89, Clause 16 of the Constitution, the appointment of the Prosecutor General and others must be deliberated by the Cabinet. In response, the opposition party and former prosecutors have argued that a constitutional complaint should be filed.
The issue of supplementary investigative authority also needs to be addressed. Within the ruling party, there are calls for the complete separation of investigation and prosecution, including stripping the prosecution of supplementary investigative powers. However, the prosecution insists that the Public Prosecution Office must retain supplementary investigative authority to ensure smooth case handling. President Lee also indicated the need for such authority during a press conference marking his 100th day in office on September 11, stating, "You can't just get rid of the jar because you dislike maggots," implying the necessity of supplementary investigative powers.
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