Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, urged on September 9 to initiate discussions on the introduction of a special prosecutor to investigate the 'false conclusion' of the Jeju missing persons case. With the abolition of the prosecution office just over 20 days away, he emphasized the need for legislative efforts to restore supplementary investigation powers amid concerns over a gap in police investigation authority.
Speaking at a forum on 'Public Safety and Control of Police Investigation Authority' hosted by his party's policy committee, Jang stated, "In 24 days, the prosecution office will disappear in South Korea, leaving the safety and lives of the public solely in the hands of the police."
He explained, "The principle of our criminal justice system is that the prosecution reviews police investigations. This is the best way to protect citizens from crime and prevent wrongful victimization." He criticized, saying, "If the prosecution is dismantled on October 2 and supplementary investigation powers are abolished, the police will be able to conceal cases at will."
Jang also pointed out the potential for inadequate investigations due to the expanded police investigation authority. He noted, "The number of cases closed without prosecution by the police increased from approximately 389,000 in 2021 to 596,000 last year, a rise of about 50%. The number of cases sent to the prosecution due to victims' appeals has more than doubled," asserting that this indicates the police misjudged one out of every ten closed cases.
He expressed concern regarding the ongoing investigation into the 'false conclusion' of the Jeju missing persons case, stating, "I worry whether this investigation can be completed within 24 days," referring to the recent searches conducted by the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office at the National Police Agency and local police stations.
Jang called for the introduction of a special prosecutor, saying, "The National Assembly should begin discussions on the introduction of a special prosecutor to clarify the case, even if the prosecution cannot complete the investigation within 24 days. If any other evidence is found during the search, we must uncover the truth through a special prosecutor."
He added, "I will fight to protect the public from inadequate police investigations and gaps in control, ensuring that the voices of wronged victims are not buried and that effective measures are implemented." Lim I-ja, chair of the policy committee, also stated, "We will actively pursue the legislative and institutional measures necessary to restore the direct supplementary investigation powers of prosecutors."
Additionally, Jang continued his criticism of the Lee Jae-myung administration, stating, "The government of Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung, which granted investigation authority to the police and abolished the prosecution's investigative command, is the true culprit in this case. This government has ultimately abandoned the lives, safety, and property of the people."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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