Jeong Cheongrae: "The Principle of Separating Investigation and Prosecution Cannot Be Compromised... A Public Debate Is Needed"

Democratic Party Policy Caucus
Han Byungdo: "Separation of Investigation and Prosecution, an Issue of Our Time"

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, reiterated the fundamental principle of prosecutorial reform on January 15, stating, "The core principle of separating investigation and prosecution cannot be compromised. Medical treatment should be handled by doctors, medicine by pharmacists, prosecution by prosecutors, and investigation by police," adding, "This is the spirit of separating investigation and prosecution."

At a policy caucus held at the National Assembly that day to discuss the government's pre-announcement of legislation regarding the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA) and the Prosecution Office, Jeong said, "This issue is also connected to the identity of the Lee Jaemyung administration, so we must hold a comprehensive and transparent public debate with the people."

His remarks are interpreted as an effort to reaffirm the party leadership's stance amid growing internal opposition to the government plan, which would grant the SCIA investigative authority over nine major crimes and separate the roles of judicial investigators and professional investigators.

Jeong went on to say, "On January 20, the Prosecutorial Reform Act, the Prosecution Office Act, and the SCIA Act will undergo a public debate process in front of the entire nation. The government’s legislative drafts will be revised in accordance with the consensus reached during this process," emphasizing, "The bills announced by the government are not finalized but are merely initial drafts."

He further stressed, "In accordance with the separation of powers, the final authority to vote on these bills rests with the National Assembly."

Yonhap News Agency

Floor Leader Han Byungdo also pointed out, "We are on the verge of dismantling the political prosecution system that has persisted for 78 years and fully separating investigation and prosecution," describing it as "an inevitable issue of our time."

He continued, "Prosecutorial reform is an undeniable spirit of the era. To build consensus, we will hold public hearings and engage in numerous discussions, both public and private. The Democratic Party and the government will make every effort, united in purpose and determination, to complete prosecutorial reform and defend democracy and human rights."

Regarding the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, which was scheduled to be addressed at the plenary session that day, he stated, "The special prosecutor for insurrection is a special prosecutor for people's livelihoods, and it is part of the process of normalizing the nation. The special prosecutor for insurrection is also about the economy."