In a brief written statement, Shim said the reform, which would involve a major overhaul of the prosecution, should be implemented through thorough discussions among scholars, experts, and other professionals, as it is directly related to the "fundamental rights of all citizens."
Shim, who served about nine months of his two-year term, also warned, "If implemented with a set deadline along with a fixed conclusion, that could lead to many unexpected side effects." He then added that he felt it was the right time to leave his post, citing "various circumstances."
His resignation comes shortly after President Lee Jae-myung named his close aide and five-term lawmaker Jung Sung-ho as the new justice minister earlier in the week, who is expected to spearhead the reform.
Amid long-held criticism over the prosecution exercising excessive powers, the Lee administration has vowed to implement sweeping prosecutorial reform by separating investigations from indictments.
Shim will officially step down at a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday.
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