Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon offers resignation to President Lee, offer reportedly rejected

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon has reportedly offered his resignation to President Lee Jae-myung, who is said to have rejected the offer. The reported resignation comes amid ongoing legislative efforts by the ruling party to reform the prosecution system.

Sources in the legal community indicate that Han directly expressed his intention to step down to President Lee recently. This move follows Han's public divergence from the Democratic Party's stance on proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act. The party is pushing to abolish prosecutors' direct investigation rights and their supplementary investigation powers entirely.

Earlier this month, during a session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Han argued for the necessity of reviving the "full case transfer" system. This system would require police to transfer all cases to prosecutors, a measure he believes is crucial to prevent negative consequences arising from the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights. He cited concerns about potential delays in case processing and the need for minimal checks on police authority.

As the Democratic Party solidified its position and moved forward with legislation to completely prohibit prosecutors' direct investigations, Han's resignation offer reportedly followed. However, President Lee is said to have persuaded Han to remain in his post, emphasizing the need for his continued service as Justice Minister.