Jung Cheong-rae Continues to Push for Prosecution Reform: 'Complete Abolition is Obvious'

Rep. Jung Cheong-rae, leader of South Korea's Democratic Party, strongly reiterated his demand for the complete abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights, stating it is an "obvious" and "irreversible" party platform. He warned against clinging to investigation powers, urging those with such aspirations to "wake up from their dreams."

“

The complete abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights is too obvious, and if you still have lingering attachments to investigation rights, wake up from your dreams.

Jung framed prosecutorial reform as a "banner and symbol" of the Democratic Party's governance, emphasizing the party's commitment to the complete separation of investigative and prosecutorial functions. He vowed to ensure that the integrity of prosecutorial reform remains intact and its symbolism is not tarnished.

“

The complete separation of investigation and prosecution is the Democratic Party's irreversible party platform.

Senior executives close to Jung echoed his sentiments, expressing concerns that discussions on revising the Criminal Procedure Act to abolish supplementary investigation rights might be delayed until after the party's August 17th convention. The party has postponed legislative work on this matter, which is considered the final piece in separating investigation and prosecution, ahead of the planned launch of the Central Investigation Office and Prosecution Office in October.

“

It is frustrating because it makes the people who are frustrated that the reform of the prosecution cannot be properly carried out and the launch of the Central Investigation Office and Prosecution Office in October is impossible, even more frustrated.

Senior executives Lee Sung-yoon and Park Gyu-hwan voiced frustration over potential delays, emphasizing the need for the government and the National Assembly to proceed with their respective tasks independently of the convention schedule. Their statements, along with Jung's renewed push, are seen as strategic moves to make the abolition of supplementary investigation rights a central issue in the upcoming leadership election, particularly for Jung's bid to retain his position.

“

The party must take responsibility until the end so that the flag of the Lee Jae-myung government and the Democratic Party is not torn and its symbol is not stained.