Justice Minister Chung fears 'enormous problems' from prosecution reform

South Korean Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho voiced grave concerns about the recent amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which strips prosecutors of their investigative powers. "I am truly worried. The future is the problem. What will happen to South Korea, our judicial system?" Chung stated on the sidelines of a Supreme Court Justice Recommendation Committee meeting on Tuesday.

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I am truly worried. The future is the problem. What will happen to South Korea, our judicial system?

Chung, attending the meeting as a recommender, expressed his anxieties to fellow committee members. He specifically addressed a judge, urging, "Judges must also investigate while presiding over cases." He further criticized the amendment's swift passage, noting it was enacted "at the speed of light" without sufficient procedural review to ensure fairness.

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Judges must also investigate while presiding over cases.

This sentiment echoes remarks Chung made the previous day at an induction ceremony for new prosecutors. He described the speed of the legislative change as unprecedented and warned of potential negative consequences. "Victims' suffering could worsen or they might not be properly protected due to side effects," he said, emphasizing the need for rapid correction if the law proves out of step with reality.

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This was the first time the Criminal Procedure Act was amended at the speed of light.