Minister Jeong Seong-ho said on the 8th, "We will cooperate to ensure that the high-level party and government discussions, including the abolition of the prosecution office, are faithfully implemented."
The Presidential Office, the government, and the Democratic Party of Korea finalized a government reorganization plan the previous day to abolish the prosecution office next year and transfer the prosecution's investigative functions to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.
On his way home that day, Minister Jeong told reporters, "There is a significant public dissatisfaction that the prosecution monopolizes investigative and prosecutorial powers and has abused that authority." He added, "In the future legislative process, we must faithfully reflect the will of the people, and our goal is not the prosecution reform itself, but to create a country that enhances the convenience and safety of the people."
The government and the ruling party have not yet reached a conclusion on whether to abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigative authority. In response, Minister Jeong noted, "It must be well discussed in the National Assembly legislative process how to create institutional measures to prevent the first investigative agency (the police) from abusing its powers."
Regarding the 'Ganjin Beopseong's witness protection belt loss incident,' Minister Jeong said, "Because the public does not trust the prosecution, the best method is for the special investigation team involving Kim Keon-hee to conduct the investigation." However, he added, "There are differing opinions on whether it is indeed a subject of investigation, and conducting it through a standing special investigation team is also an option," and emphasized that "there should be consultations between the party and government."