Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stated on September 12 that he intends to ensure the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution review the possibility of dropping criminal charges related to President Lee Jae-myung upon his appointment. He emphasized that he would carry out his duties fairly in accordance with laws and regulations, ensuring that the prosecution maintains political neutrality and performs its responsibilities impartially.
According to Yonhap News, Kim made these remarks in a written response to Representative Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee. Kim's past involvement as a co-representative of a group advocating for the dismissal of charges against President Lee has raised concerns. In response, he stated, "I will distinguish between my political activities as a member of the National Assembly and my duties as a minister," adding that he would ensure his previous positions do not influence case handling or personnel decisions, and that he would make necessary judgments in accordance with relevant laws.
Additionally, Kim, who has led the push for a revised criminal procedure law that eliminates the prosecution's supplementary investigative powers, reiterated his stance that it is appropriate to completely abolish the direct investigative powers of prosecutors to ensure a clear separation between investigation and prosecution, and to focus on the prosecution's primary role of initiating and maintaining charges.
As he prepares for his role, Kim faces the task of minimizing the negative impacts of abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigative powers. He stated, "I will ensure thorough follow-up measures, including the revision of related laws, and will concentrate all efforts to collaborate with relevant agencies to establish a new criminal justice system."
Kim, a former judge and a two-term member of the National Assembly, recently served as the Democratic Party's secretary and chair of the first subcommittee on legislative review.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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