Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho, who is stepping down after 13 months in office, stated that there are areas needing improvement in the legal basis for the joint investigation headquarters and the command authority over special judicial police during the amendment process of the criminal procedure law. He expressed his intention to discuss these issues with his party upon returning to the National Assembly.
On his last day at the Government Complex Gwacheon, Jeong told reporters, "There were shortcomings in the amendment process of the criminal procedure law."
He elaborated, "We need to examine how the joint investigation headquarters can operate without a legal basis and how individual cases can be handled without command authority over special judicial police. We also need to consider the role of the prosecution office in this context."
Jeong added, "It would not be appropriate to point out issues as I leave my ministerial position, so I will not go into specifics right now. However, I intend to discuss the problems I have perceived with my party in the National Assembly."
Regarding the controversy over the Supreme Court's written recommendation for justices, he remarked, "The President is the head of the executive branch directly elected by the people and holds the authority to appoint justices. I hope the Supreme Court will consider how to resolve this issue while respecting the President's appointment authority."
As for the prosecution office set to launch in October, Jeong emphasized, "It must continue to handle prosecutions and maintain its functions without being diminished."
He further noted, "Without supplementary investigative authority, a large number of prosecutors will be necessary to ensure that prosecutions are not compromised."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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