Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho has reportedly expressed his intention to resign from his position, following backlash against the Democratic Party's push to completely abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigation and direct investigation powers. However, President Yoon Suk-yeol is said to have rejected the resignation.
According to political sources on July 24, Jeong conveyed his resignation directly to President Yoon. The president reportedly urged him to remain in office until the establishment of the new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.
Jeong has consistently voiced concerns regarding the party's movement to abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers. During a National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting on July 15, he argued that if these powers were eliminated, alternatives such as a 'full case transfer' system, which would allow the prosecution to take over all police cases, would be necessary to prevent delays in case handling and abuse of police authority.
Jeong has previously indicated his intention to resign multiple times during the legislative process for prosecutorial reform.
Following the news of his resignation, some have raised questions about accountability. Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon criticized Jeong's resignation on Facebook, stating, "Running away does not absolve one of responsibility. The Minister of Justice has an obligation to prevent the increase of manipulated and distorted investigations due to the Democratic Party's ban on supplementary investigations, which could harm the public."
Han further stated, "As the minister responsible, Jeong should have clearly articulated his stance against the party's ban on supplementary investigations and opposed its adoption in the Democratic Party's general meeting, given his position as a ruling party lawmaker. However, he has not done so thus far." He urged Jeong, as a former Minister of Justice, to fulfill his duties now.
Jeong, a five-term lawmaker and former lawyer, was appointed as the first Minister of Justice under President Yoon's administration in July 2022 and continues to serve as a lawmaker. He is considered a close ally of President Yoon, having attended law school with him, and is recognized as a leading figure in the pro-Myeong faction.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.