Minister Yoon Ho-jung of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said on the 24th that, regarding the government reorganization plan centered on dismantling the Prosecutors' Office, "We have decided not to create the National Investigation Commission."
At a full session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee that day, when Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party asked, "There are too many investigative bodies being added. Isn't the Democratic Party of Korea also talking about the National Investigation Commission plan now?" Minister Yoon answered, "That is not an official position."
When Rep. Joo pressed again, "Then you are not creating the National Investigation Commission? You are only creating the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency?" Minister Yoon also said, "Yes."
Previously, the prosecution reform plan, centered on a complete separation of investigation and indictment by the prosecution, included the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Agency, along with the creation of the National Investigation Commission. The National Investigation Commission had been discussed as a body to adjust investigative authority between agencies.
Also, when Rep. Joo said, "It is right to pass a bill only after a specific plan is meticulously designed, but it is a problem to present the conclusion first and then say you will draft the bill," Minister Yoon said, "You are pointing out that the pace is too fast, and I will not offer a counterargument to that." He then added, "However, we are in the process of normalizing the state in a situation where rebellion has continued."
Minister Yoon addressed concerns about bloat due to the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, saying, "Because it will be under judicial control by prosecutors, there is little reason for the ministry's power to be strengthened." He also said, "Rather, the realistic concern may be what to do if investigative authority is not properly exercised due to excessive judicial control by prosecutors."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Korea led and passed at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee that day a revision to the Government Organization Act that includes abolishing the Prosecutors' Office and separating the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The revision is scheduled to be brought to the National Assembly plenary session on the 25th. The People Power Party plans to respond with a filibuster (unlimited debate).