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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Justice Minister Chung warns of 'aftermath' from prosecutor investigation rights cut

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • South Korean Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho expressed strong concerns over the recent amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which abolishes prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights.
  • Chung warned that the changes could lead to significant problems in the judicial system, questioning the speed and process of the amendment.
  • The amendment, passed by the Cabinet, aims to normalize the system by separating investigation and prosecution, a move President Yoon Suk Yeol supports.

South Korean Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho voiced grave concerns regarding the recent amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which strips prosecutors of their supplementary investigation powers. The bill, passed by the Cabinet, has drawn sharp criticism from Chung, who fears it will destabilize the judicial system.

What about the aftermath? I am truly worried these days. What is happening to our judicial system?

— Chung Sung-hoExpressing his deep concerns about the recent amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act.

Speaking to other committee members before attending a Supreme Court Justice nomination committee meeting, Chung expressed his deep worries. "What about the aftermath? I am truly worried these days. What is happening to our judicial system?" he asked, noting the "speed of light" with which the amendment was passed. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to procedural justice, lamenting that the law was altered after only a few sessions.

I am truly worried. How will they handle the consequences? Many problems will arise during operation.

— Chung Sung-hoWarning about the potential future problems resulting from the amendment.

Chung further warned of potential operational issues, stating, "I am truly worried. How will they handle the consequences? Many problems will arise during operation." He directly addressed a judicial committee member, saying, "Even judges will have to investigate while presiding over cases."

Even judges will have to investigate while presiding over cases.

— Chung Sung-hoIllustrating the potential impact of the amendment on judicial roles.

Earlier, Chung had told reporters that this was the first time a criminal procedure law had been amended at such a "light speed." He added, "No one can predict what side effects will emerge or how it will function properly in the field." President Yoon Suk Yeol, however, supported the amendment, calling the separation of investigation and prosecution the "first step to normalizing an abnormal system where the prosecution has exercised excessively excessive power."

This was the first time a criminal procedure law had been amended at such a 'light speed.'

— Chung Sung-hoCommenting on the rapid pace of the amendment's passage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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