South Korean acting top prosecutor resigns over controversial legal reform

South Korea's acting Prosecutor General, Gu Ja-hyun, announced his resignation on July 31, citing deep regret and a sense of helplessness following the National Assembly's passage of a criminal procedure law amendment. The bill, spearheaded by the majority Democratic Party, effectively abolishes the prosecution's comprehensive investigative authority.

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I cannot hide my regretful and helpless feelings.

As he left the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Gu stated, "I cannot hide my regretful and helpless feelings." He acknowledged the need for introspection among prosecutors regarding public trust but emphasized that institutional reforms should not compromise the core function of the prosecution system in discovering substantive truth and protecting victims. Gu expressed concern that the new law could lead to an inefficient structure where prosecutors rely solely on investigative records, making it difficult to ensure victim protection and potentially increasing time and costs.

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While acknowledging that the prosecution has failed to earn the public's trust in some areas, requiring deep introspection from all members of the prosecution, I believe that even if institutional reforms are made for such reasons, the discovery of substantive truth should be made difficult, and the essence of the prosecution system for protecting victims and other parties involved in the case should not be undermined.

The amendment passed the plenary session of the National Assembly with 178 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention. The opposition People Power Party, which had initiated a filibuster against the bill the previous day, did not participate in the final vote.

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However, these points were not accepted, and the bill was passed as it is.

Gu made a heartfelt plea for a final review of the law before its implementation. He urged the government to carefully examine potential systemic gaps and ensure that the public's protection would not be compromised once the law takes effect. The amendment's passage marks a significant shift in the country's legal landscape, curtailing the powers of an institution that has long held considerable sway.

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Even if the bill passed by the National Assembly is sent to the government, I earnestly ask you to review once more whether there will be any systemic gaps or shortcomings in protecting the public when the law is implemented.