The Democratic Party of Korea pledged on October 2 to do its utmost to ensure the successful establishment of the newly launched Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and Prosecution Service. The party also countered claims from the People Power Party that a period of public safety vacuum has begun, asserting that "the era of unchecked prosecutorial power is ending."
During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, party leader Kim Min-seok stated, "The era of the prosecution is coming to an end, and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and Prosecution Service are beginning. We will swiftly revise relevant laws and establish an organizational framework for a new criminal justice system that strictly separates investigation and prosecution."
Supreme Council member Seo Mi-hwa remarked, "The launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and Prosecution Service signifies that the fundamental principle of prosecutorial reform—separation of investigation and prosecution—is finally being implemented. The Democratic Party will completely sever ties with the remnants of a politically motivated prosecution that was obsessed with eliminating political opponents."
Another Supreme Council member, Lee Seong-yun, quoted former leader Jeong Cheong-rae, who said, "Prosecutorial reform is the flag and symbol of the Democratic Party," emphasizing the need to ensure that this flag does not become stained or torn. He added, "The Democratic Party will fully complete the reform that leads to a separation of personnel within the prosecution."
Jeong Seong-ho, who served as the first Minister of Justice under the Lee Jae-myung administration, shared his reflections on Facebook regarding the prosecutorial reforms initiated during his tenure. He stated, "The realization of the principle of separation of investigation and prosecution, which began under the Kim Dae-jung administration and continued through the Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in administrations, has been completed under the Lee Jae-myung administration. I hope the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and Prosecution Service will learn from the mistakes of a politically motivated prosecution and transform into institutions that serve the public interest."
However, he acknowledged that there are painful criticisms that essential systems deemed necessary for protecting the socially vulnerable and responding to crime have been eliminated under the guise of 'strong reform.' He stressed the need for an open attitude to quickly amend and supplement any arising side effects and issues.
Additionally, the Democratic Party criticized the People Power Party for inciting public anxiety by claiming that a period of public safety vacuum would follow the official dissolution of the prosecution service.
Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, asserted, "As the People Power Party claims, it will not become a paradise for criminals, nor will a public safety vacuum occur. The unchecked powers of the prosecution are ending, but the state's investigative functions remain intact. Stop inciting public fear."
Seo also criticized the People Power Party, stating, "They demand accountability for responsibilities that neither the president nor the ruling party holds. Are they unable to engage in constructive discussions that would allow the new criminal justice system to take root, other than inciting public anxiety?"
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.