President Lee: "It's Right Not to Conduct Supplementary Investigations, but There Are Necessary Exceptions"

President Lee Jae-myung's New Year Press Conference on the 21st
"If Prosecutors Are Stripped of Power, Who Will Take Responsibility?"

On the 21st, citizens are watching the live broadcast of President Lee Jae-myung's New Year's press conference in the waiting room of Seoul Station, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On January 21, President Lee Jae-myung stated regarding the supplementary investigation authority of the Prosecution Service, "I believe it is right not to conduct supplementary investigations," but added, "There are cases where it is exceptionally necessary."

President Lee made these remarks during a press conference held at the State Guest House of the Presidential Office under the theme "Great Transformation Achieved Together, Great Leap Enjoyed by All."

First, President Lee said, "(The supplementary investigation authority) is not on the agenda this time. It needs further study," and added, "So, it remains undecided."

He continued, "For example, if a case is transferred with only two days left before the statute of limitations expires, and supplementary investigations are completely prohibited, all the remaining time would be spent shuttling the case between the police and the prosecution. In such cases, it would be a reform to handle state affairs efficiently by preventing the possibility of abuse, establishing safeguards for truly exceptional cases, and allowing supplementary investigations to that extent."

President Lee further emphasized, "The core of prosecution reform is not about stripping the prosecution of its power; the ultimate goal is to protect the rights and human rights of the people," and questioned, "If we take away all the powers of prosecutors completely just to avoid controversy, who will take responsibility later?"

He added, "While politicians can make their own assertions, administration cannot operate that way. We must block the possibility of abuse, but efficiency must not be sacrificed."

However, President Lee stressed that the very discussion of supplementary investigation authority is "not anyone's fault but the prosecution's." He explained, "The prosecution has committed so many wrongdoings that it has become a witch figure-everything about it is disliked."

He also said, "Let us establish an efficient and safe system for prosecution investigations and indictments that cannot be abused," and added, "It would be better not to rush but to have sufficient discussions."

Regarding some opposition to naming the head of the Prosecution Service as the Prosecutor General, he countered, "The Constitution states 'Prosecutor General.' So, can we simply abolish the Prosecutor General in violation of the Constitution?"