Outgoing Justice Minister urges Supreme Court to respect president's appointment rights

As he concluded his 13-month tenure as Justice Minister, Han Sung-ho urged the Supreme Court to carefully consider the president's appointment authority when addressing the ongoing dispute over Supreme Court justice nominations. "I hope the Supreme Court will further contemplate how to resolve this issue with respect for the president's appointment rights," Han stated on his final day in office, emphasizing the president's mandate as the head of state and executive branch, directly elected by the people.

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I hope the Supreme Court will further contemplate how to resolve this issue with respect for the president's appointment rights.

Han, whose resignation was accepted by President Lee Jae-myung, reflected on his time leading the Ministry of Justice. "I feel there were many shortcomings in my efforts to bring change and innovation to the Ministry of Justice," he remarked. Looking ahead to his return to the National Assembly, Han expressed a strong desire to help the ministry regain public trust. He also indicated plans to address unfinished legislative work, specifically mentioning aspects of the criminal procedure code that he felt required further refinement, such as the legal basis for joint investigation headquarters and the command structure for special judicial police officers.

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I feel there were many shortcomings in my efforts to bring change and innovation to the Ministry of Justice.

Addressing the impending launch of the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) and the simultaneous leadership vacuum at the Ministry of Justice, Han expressed confidence in his successor. "The new minister must make sound policy decisions," he said, expressing hope that they would thoroughly understand the ministry's current issues and guide it toward regaining public trust.

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The new minister must make sound policy decisions.

Han reiterated his stance against significantly reducing the number of prosecutors and staff following the transition to the CIA. He argued that the absence of supplementary investigation powers for prosecutors would necessitate a larger, not smaller, force to ensure effective case prosecution and oversight. "Those who claim the number of prosecutors and investigators should be drastically reduced simply do not understand the situation," Han asserted, explaining that maintaining robust prosecutorial functions requires ample skilled personnel. In a separate message to the press corps, he urged continued advice to ensure the legal system's improvement for public safety and victim protection, stating, "There is no foundation for people's lives and economy without the rule of law."

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Those who claim the number of prosecutors and investigators should be drastically reduced simply do not understand the situation.