Lee: "Controversy Over Prosecution Reform Is the Prosecution's Own Doing"... Stresses 'Protection of Human Rights and Remedy of Rights' as Ultimate Goal

"I have suffered the most at the hands of the prosecution, which acts like a witch"
Reaffirming commitment to reform
"Separation of investigation and indictment is a fundamental principle...
We must block abuse while maintaining efficiency"
"The goal is not to strip power...
Some supplementary investigative authority may be necessary"
Even with prosecutorial reform, the Constitution must be respected
Dismisses controversy over the title 'Prosecutor General'

President Lee Jaemyung reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to prosecutorial reform, while making it clear that the ultimate goal of the reform is "the protection of human rights and the remedy of citizens' rights." Addressing concerns and criticism from hardline supporters and others regarding the government's prosecutorial reform proposal, he pointed out that the lack of trust stems from the many wrongdoings committed by the prosecution in the past, offering a pointed critique. Regarding the issue of granting supplementary investigative authority to the newly established Public Prosecution Office, he stated, "It is correct not to grant it," but also noted that further research is needed to address investigative efficiency and exceptional circumstances.

Yonhap News Agency

During a press conference held at the State Guest House of the Presidential Office on this day, President Lee emphasized, "The core of prosecutorial reform is not about stripping power from the prosecution, but the ultimate goal is to protect citizens' rights and human rights. If we take away all prosecutorial powers entirely, who will be held accountable later? In politics, you can act recklessly, but in administration, you cannot." He also stressed that while it is important to block the possibility of abuse of authority, investigative efficiency must not be eliminated, and therefore, sufficient time and deliberation are necessary.

Nevertheless, responding to concerns from some within the ruling party that his commitment to prosecutorial reform has waned, he said, "I have suffered the most at the hands of the prosecution, which acts like a witch hunt. I have been indicted in 20 cases," referencing his long-standing adversarial relationship with the prosecution since 2002. President Lee mentioned incidents ranging from being tried for impersonating a prosecutor while investigating the Park View preferential allocation scandal in 2002, to the "Daejang-dong development corruption allegations."

President Lee stated, "The prosecution would indict people without evidence just to make them suffer, or if they found a judge who was sympathetic, they would say, 'Let’s get you convicted and see you ruined.' Investigating just to indict, or indicting to justify investigations, and coercing false witnesses to secure convictions-these practices must not continue." He emphasized, "Investigation and indictment must be separated; this is a fundamental principle."

He went on to say, "I do not understand why personnel matters and various reforms related to the prosecution are so complicated and difficult." He criticized, "I believe the prosecution has become a witch because of the many wrongdoings it has committed. That is why people dislike and distrust it so much."

Yonhap News Agency

On the issue of granting supplementary investigative authority to the Public Prosecution Office, President Lee clarified that while this is not currently a core agenda item for prosecutorial reform, he believes it is correct not to grant such authority. He began by stating that while it is important to prevent abuse of power, investigative efficiency must also be preserved, saying, "It is correct not to grant supplementary investigative authority. It is a headache. The issue requires further study and remains undecided." However, he also mentioned that "there are exceptional cases where it may be necessary. For example, if only two days remain before the statute of limitations expires and supplementary investigation is completely prohibited, what should be done?" He pointed out the need to allow direct supplementary investigative authority for prosecutors in special circumstances.

He also expressed the view that constitutional principles must be respected even during prosecutorial reform. There have been critical voices regarding the government's proposal to name the head of the Public Prosecution Office as "Prosecutor General." President Lee said, "We cannot abolish the title 'Prosecutor General' as stated in the Constitution. While suspicion and distrust are understandable, we cannot violate the legal system." He added, "The government's proposal is not a finalized plan. Since there is time until the abolition of the Prosecution Service in October, we should not rush and make mistakes, but rather take sufficient time for discussion."