President Lee Jae-myung stated his position on the recently contentious advance notice of legislation for the Prosecution Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office on the 21st at the New Year's press conference. Lee said, "Separating investigation and indictment is the overarching principle," but added, "If you strip prosecutors of all power, how will you take responsibility later?"
On the authority to conduct supplementary investigations, he also said, "There are cases where it is exceptionally necessary," and regarding calls to abolish the position of "prosecutor general," he said, "It is written in the Constitution. You cannot violate the legal framework just because you dislike and distrust it."
Lee held the New Year's press conference that morning at the State Guest House at the Blue House. When asked at the end of the briefing to assess prosecutorial reform and the Prosecution Office and Serious Crimes Investigation Office bills, he said, "The prosecution has committed so many karmic transgressions that it has become a witch," adding, "The prosecution buries existing cases and also creates cases that don't exist. They did this so much that the entire public is suspicious and tells prosecutors to do nothing."
However, he explained that separate from dislike and distrust of the prosecution, prosecutorial reform should aim to protect human rights and remedy the rights of the people. Lee said, "Separating investigation and indictment is the overarching principle," and added, "We must block the potential for abuse, but efficiency must not be eliminated."
Lee also directly addressed points raised by the ruling camp regarding the Prosecution Office and Serious Crimes Investigation Office bills. On whether to title the head of the Prosecution Office as the head of the Prosecution Office or as the prosecutor general, he said, "I understand all the feelings of not trusting, disliking, and suspecting the prosecution, but you cannot violate the legal framework," adding, "The Constitution says prosecutor general. Can we abolish the prosecutor general in a way that conflicts with the Constitution?"
On the issue of the authority to conduct supplementary investigations, he said, "I think not doing it is right, but there are cases where it is exceptionally necessary," and added, "Proceeding only after creating safeguards so there is no room for abuse, in very exceptional circumstances, is the way to handle state affairs efficiently."
Lee said, "The party is an important part of the governing force, and the government must not do as it pleases and must deliberate," adding, "But let's not do it emotionally. There is leeway until Oct., so let's not rush and get indigestion; let's consult thoroughly."