Ruling party slams president for 'light-speed' approval of prosecutorial reform

South Korea's ruling People Power Party fiercely criticized President Lee Jae-myung, accusing him of approving a controversial revision to the Criminal Procedure Act with "the speed of light." The party stated that the president disregarded public opposition and acted with unprecedented haste, pushing through the amendment just ten days after the ruling party adopted it as its official stance. The revision effectively abolishes the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights.

Party spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon highlighted President Lee's past remarks, including his 2017 warning that "power corrupts when monopolized, so it must be divided for mutual checks." She also pointed to his 2018 and 2021 statements expressing concern over police gaining sole investigative authority and advocating for the prosecution to retain some power. Choi questioned the president's current actions, calling them a clear self-contradiction and a "habitual change of tune."

Choi further alleged that the president's swift approval, despite expressing concerns about police investigations on the day of the State Council meeting, was driven by a desire to court hardline supporters ahead of the ruling party's national convention. She also raised suspicions that the amendment, which includes a provision for "dismissal of public prosecution," was intended to neutralize President Lee's own ongoing trial, effectively granting him a "self-exoneration deal."

The People Power Party concluded that President Lee had "sold out the safety of the people for his own post-presidency security." They condemned the administration's "irresponsibility and authoritarianism," stating that the president's hasty approval, driven by political maneuvering and self-interest, had crossed a line.