With the launch of the new Prosecution Agency and Serious Crimes Investigation Agency just 40 days away, concerns are mounting over leadership instability within the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution. As the Ministry faces numerous tasks, including the establishment of the Prosecution Agency's structure, personnel appointments, and the revision of subordinate laws, the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency is expected to struggle with staffing challenges.
According to legal sources on the 19th, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho submitted his resignation to the Blue House and the Ministry of Personnel Management the previous day, citing health issues and the completion of key legislation related to prosecution reform.
Although the Blue House has requested that Jeong continue in his role until a successor is appointed, the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for his replacement has raised concerns about the leadership needed to guide the preparations for the launch of the Prosecution Agency and Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.
The prosecution is already in a state of leadership vacuum. Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyun submitted his resignation on July 31, following the passage of a bill that abolished direct investigative powers and supplementary investigative rights for prosecutors. Currently, Park Gyu-hyung, head of the Planning and Coordination Bureau at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, is serving in an acting capacity.
There are still many tasks to complete before the new criminal justice system is implemented. The Ministry of Justice must revise subordinate laws and related regulations, finalize discussions on organizational structure and budget with relevant agencies, and manage the reassignment of existing prosecutorial personnel, along with organizational restructuring.
Within the prosecution, there is growing anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding personnel changes next month and the potential dissolution of current departments. Since August 18, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office has begun pilot operations of a 'Prosecution Agency operational model' at four district prosecutors' offices, including the Northern District Prosecutors' Office in Seoul, which involves interviewing suspects and witnesses before requesting arrest warrants.
The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency also faces challenges in staffing. The preparatory committee for the agency is accepting applications for special appointments from prosecutors and investigative officers until the 20th. However, while over 2,200 investigative officers attended an information session earlier this month, only about 260 prosecutors showed interest, raising concerns that the actual number of applicants may fall short of expectations.
The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency will be responsible for direct investigations into serious crimes, including financial crimes, fair trade violations, drug offenses, and technology leaks. Securing experienced personnel from the prosecution to ensure a smooth transition is seen as crucial for the agency's establishment.
Prosecutors are hesitant to move to the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency due to concerns about rank, treatment, and the uncertainty surrounding the new organization. Prosecutors with less than ten years of experience will be appointed at a level equivalent to Grade 4 if they transfer to the agency. With the first head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and its leadership yet to be determined, there is a prevailing sentiment to observe the agency's character and future operational direction.
The government is accelerating institutional preparations for the agency's launch. At a recent Cabinet meeting, three ordinances regarding the organization, operation, and appointment of public officials for the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency were approved. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has also completed the formation of a candidate recommendation committee for the first head of the agency and will accept public nominations until the 26th.
As uncertainty grows within the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution, the selection of the next Justice Minister has become a key variable. The incoming minister will effectively be responsible for ensuring the establishment of the new criminal justice system, including the launch of the Prosecution Agency and Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, as well as the follow-up legislation and revision of subordinate laws.
Among the ruling party and legal circles, Park Gyun-taek, a member of the National Assembly and former chief prosecutor, is being mentioned as a potential successor. Park previously served as the chief prosecutor of the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office and has experience as a legal advisor to President Lee Jae-myung. However, specific details regarding the successor's appointment have yet to emerge.
The next minister will also face sensitive issues, including the activities of the Future Committee for Respecting Prosecutorial Human Rights and decisions regarding the prosecution of major cases. Consequently, there are interpretations that the appointment may favor someone who can work closely with the president to finalize the follow-up work on prosecution reform while addressing key issues.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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