[New Year's Address] Acting Prosecutor General Koo Jahyun Urges Proactive Search for Tasks Members Can Undertake

"Citizens Must Feel the Usefulness and Necessity of the Prosecution... The Prosecution Must Be Supported by the People"
"The Essential Role of the Prosecution Will Remain Unchanged Despite Organizational Restructuring, Including the Abolition of the Prosecution Office"

Yonhap News

Acting Prosecutor General Koo Jahyun urged members of the prosecution to proactively seek out tasks they can undertake.

In his New Year's address on December 31, Koo stated, "For the future of the prosecution, I ask each of you to actively find what you can do, even under the new system." He added, "Through this process, you will find fulfillment in your work, earn the trust of the public, and help the prosecution become an institution supported by the people."

He continued, "The prosecution must become an institution supported by the public, and people must feel the usefulness and necessity of the prosecution." He emphasized, "Citizens must be able to tangibly feel that the prosecution is necessary, that it is fulfilling its duties well, and that, as a result, society is changing for the better."

He further stated, "Not only before the launch of the Public Prosecution Office scheduled for October 2026, but also thereafter, the prosecution will continue to hold significant authority, roles, and corresponding responsibilities to protect the rights of the people." He added, "Now more than ever, a close interaction between 'a prosecution that stands where the public needs it and is supported by the people' is required."

Amid anticipated changes to the entire criminal justice system, such as the separation of investigation and indictment functions and the abolition of the prosecution office, Koo also stressed the need to uphold the core values of the prosecution, including listening to the voices of the people.

Koo said, "There are people who are cleared of injustice as the substantive truth is revealed, victims who have been hurt by crime but are striving to return to their daily lives, and citizens who are waiting for the state to protect their rights and safety." He continued, "It is the role and future of the prosecution to calmly listen to the voices of the people and steadfastly carry out its duties by their side. No matter what changes occur, including organizational restructuring, this essential role of the prosecution will remain unchanged."