The Justice Ministry, preparing for organizational reform to adapt to rapidly changing administrative demands, held a policy forum at the National Assembly.
On September 10, the Justice Ministry, led by Acting Minister Lee Jin-soo, co-hosted a forum with Democratic Party lawmakers Jeong Seong-ho, Kang Deuk-gu, and Chae Hyun-il, focusing on the direction of the Justice Ministry's reorganization in light of proposed amendments to the Government Organization Act.
The forum was convened to discuss the establishment of a Correctional Agency and the elevation of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau to a vice-ministerial level, in response to the rapidly changing work environment in correctional and immigration administration. The proposed amendment, introduced by Chae in March, includes the introduction of a multi-vice minister system, the establishment of a Correctional Agency under the Justice Minister, and the creation of a political position to oversee immigration management.
The first topic addressed was the transformation of correctional administration towards a safer society, emphasizing the need for a Correctional Agency. The current correctional system faces challenges such as chronic overcrowding and a surge in high-risk inmates, including those with drug and mental health issues, necessitating a more professional and systematic response. The role of correctional facilities is expanding beyond mere confinement to include rehabilitation and prevention of recidivism.
Participants agreed that establishing a Correctional Agency would enhance the professionalism and independence of correctional policies, allowing for a more sophisticated response to evolving correctional needs. Discussions focused on the specific design direction for the agency's functions, authority, organizational structure, and personnel management.
The second topic was the national immigration policy connecting population, regions, and industries, advocating for the elevation of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau to a vice-ministerial level. The number of foreign residents in South Korea has increased from approximately 1.06 million in 2007 to 2.9 million in 2026, representing 5.7% of the total population. Consequently, immigration policy has evolved from mere border control and residency management to a national strategy encompassing talent attraction, regional economic revitalization, and social integration.
The forum explored the need to elevate the head of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau to a vice-ministerial political position to integrate and coordinate immigration policies from a national perspective. Additionally, there were calls to strengthen the control tower function of the government’s immigration policy and to redefine the bureau's name to align with its expanded organizational status.
Acting Minister Lee Jin-soo stated in his opening remarks, "We will establish a correctional and immigration management system that ensures public safety by providing professionalism and independence in correctional administration and accountability and coordination in immigration administration."
Former Justice Minister Jeong emphasized the importance of sustainable innovation in justice administration supported by organizational backing, while Kang highlighted the need to redefine the state's roles and responsibilities in line with changing times. Chae, the lead sponsor of the amendment, stressed the importance of enhancing the nation's response capabilities to meet changing administrative demands, ensuring that the outcomes lead to tangible improvements in the lives and safety of the public.
The Justice Ministry plans to carefully review the opinions gathered from lawmakers, academia, and field experts during the forum to actively incorporate them into future organizational reform plans, including the establishment of a Correctional Agency and the elevation of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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