Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho emphasized on July 31 that if adverse effects arise from the recently passed amendments to the criminal procedure law, the government should not hesitate to make prompt corrections.
In a post on Facebook, Jeong stated, "Prosecutors can no longer conduct investigations. A fundamental change is beginning."
He added, "The success of reform does not lie in merely changing the existing order, but in how much it enriches and improves the lives of the people. High ideals, lofty principles, and grand slogans are secondary. The most important factor is whether it provides tangible benefits to the people and their livelihoods."
Jeong warned that reforms that prioritize ideals and principles without delivering results will be rejected by the public, a lesson supported by history across cultures and eras. He assured that the Ministry of Justice would work diligently to ensure the new criminal justice system is recognized as a successful reform.
On the same day, the National Assembly passed the amendment to the criminal procedure law with 175 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention out of 178 present members.
Led by the Democratic Party and progressive opposition parties, the amendment completely separates investigation and prosecution, abolishing direct investigations by prosecutors.
The amendment also eliminates the prosecutor's right to supplementary investigations, allowing them only to request supplementary investigations from judicial police officers.
Following the passage of the amendment, Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyun expressed his deep sense of responsibility regarding the changes to the criminal procedure law and announced his resignation.
Jeong had previously indicated his intention to resign to President Lee Jae-myung through Blue House aides, but it is reported that he did not submit his resignation after being persuaded by the president.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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