President Lee: No Serious Grounds to Veto Criminal Procedure Law Amendment

President Lee Jae-myung stated on August 4 that the proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, which includes the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights, does not present a situation serious enough to deny the legislative authority of the National Assembly.

This statement is interpreted as an indication that he will not exercise his right to request reconsideration of the bill.

During a cabinet meeting, President Lee emphasized, "The exercise of the veto power is not merely a matter of differing opinions; it is only possible when the exercise of authority by the other party is deemed a violation of constitutional order under the principle of separation of powers. At this point, it is difficult to see that we have reached a level that denies legislative authority."

He further asserted, "The separation of investigation and prosecution is the first step toward normalizing an abnormal criminal justice system and is a necessary measure to place all power agencies under the control of the people."

However, he acknowledged concerns about the potential expansion of police investigative powers, stating, "Follow-up measures, including the revision of related laws and systems, are essential. During the establishment of the new investigative system, there must be no gaps that could lead to unjust harm to the public, and we must enhance the fairness and capability of investigations."

President Lee promised, "We will carefully monitor whether the revised system operates as intended from the perspective of the public, and if there are deficiencies or errors, we will promptly and decisively address them thoroughly."