Plan to reform Prosecution Reform
On June 30, Jeong Seong-ho and Yoon Ho-jung—nominees for Justice Minister and Interior Minister, respectively, and both five-term lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)—reaffirmed the Yoon administration’s commitment to prosecutorial and police reform, calling it a key campaign pledge of President Lee Jae-myung.
Justice Minister nominee Jeong stated, “With the president’s campaign pledge and the ruling party’s proposed legislation, we expect meaningful changes.” President Lee has pledged to separate prosecutorial investigative powers from indictment powers, and Democratic lawmakers have introduced reform bills that would transfer investigation powers to a new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (under the Ministry of the Interior) and indictment powers to a new Prosecution Office (under the Ministry of Justice).
While prosecutorial reform is considered one of the Lee administration’s top priorities, Jeong emphasized that “reform must not come at the expense of ordinary citizens.” His remarks suggest that the government will work to eliminate politically motivated investigations and abuses of power while ensuring there is no gap in the prosecution of everyday crimes. “The specific path to reform must be decided after confirmation hearings, listening to various stakeholders including the opposition,” he added, signaling a preference for consensus-building over rapid action.
The Presidential Committee for National Policy Planning also expressed confidence that reform measures could be implemented within the framework of the existing bills proposed by the ruling party. Spokesperson Cho Seung-rae said during a briefing, “The core issue is how to effectively separate prosecutorial investigation and indictment functions,” noting that the most contentious debate will likely center on how these administrative bodies are structured and under which ministries they will operate. “If it's a matter of functional adjustments rather than philosophical differences, compromise is possible,” he added.
Interior Minister Nominee Yoon Ho-jung Confirms Plan to Abolish Police Bureau Established Under Yoon Administration
Yoon Ho-jung, South Korea’s nominee for Minister of the Interior and Safety, has formally confirmed plans to abolish the controversial Police Bureau, which was established during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and criticized for undermining the neutrality and independence of the police.
Speaking to reporters on the morning of June 30 at his confirmation hearing preparation office in the Gwanghwamun Platinum Building in Jongno District, Seoul, Yoon reaffirmed the new administration’s commitment to the pledge. “The abolition of the Police Bureau was a promise made by President Lee Jae-myung during his campaign,” Yoon said. “We will explore the specific implementation plan in consultation with the Presidential Committee for National Policy Planning.”
As a candidate, President Lee pledged to dismantle the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior in order to strengthen the political neutrality of the police and to enhance democratic oversight through a more empowered National Police Commission.
In contrast, the Yoon Suk-yeol administration had installed the Police Bureau in 2022 by amending an executive decree—not through legislative process—claiming it was necessary to ensure democratic control over the police. The move also expanded the Interior Minister’s authority over police personnel and operations. The decision sparked criticism from both within and outside the police force, with concerns raised that it could threaten the political independence of law enforcement.
Plan to abolish the Police Bureau
Separately, Interior Minister nominee Yoon Ho-jung confirmed the administration's plan to abolish the controversial Police Bureau, which was established under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and criticized for undermining police neutrality and independence. Speaking to reporters at his confirmation preparation office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Yoon said, “Abolishing the Police Bureau is a pledge made by President Lee Jae-myung during his campaign, and I reaffirm that promise today. We will work with the Presidential Policy Planning Committee to find a proper path forward.”
As a candidate, President Lee had promised to dismantle the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior to strengthen police neutrality and democratic oversight through a more empowered National Police Commission. In 2022, the Yoon administration created the Police Bureau by revising an executive decree—not by legislation—granting the Interior Minister expanded control over police appointments and leadership. The move drew criticism from within the police and civil society as a potential threat to political neutrality. With the new administration in power, dismantling the Police Bureau is now moving forward as a formal policy direction.
No comments:
Post a Comment