Jeong Seongho Responds to Calls for Retaining Prosecution's Supplementary Investigation Authority: "Government Will Abolish It... National Assembly Must Provide Alternatives"

Visit by Floor Leader Jeong Jeomsik

People Power Party Criticizes: "A Tool for Democratic Party Infighting"

Jeong Jeomsik, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, and Justice Minister Jeong Seongho met at the National Assembly and confirmed their differing positions on the issue of abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation authority. Floor Leader Jeong called for maintaining the supplementary investigation authority, while Minister Jeong, citing the government's decision to abolish it, requested that the National Assembly come up with legislative measures to address the issue.

People Power Party Floor Leader Jeong Jeomsik is taking a commemorative photo with Justice Minister Jeong Seongho, who visited the National Assembly on the 8th. From the left, Kim Taegyu, Chief Floor Spokesperson; Floor Leader Jeong; Minister Jeong; Kim Seungsoo, Senior Deputy Floor Manager.

On July 8, after visiting Floor Leader Jeong at the People Power Party’s National Assembly office, Minister Jeong told reporters, "The government's stance has been finalized as the abolition of the supplementary investigation authority," adding, "The government’s basic position is that if the authority is abolished, the National Assembly must sufficiently address the potential concerns and establish clear alternatives."

When asked if the government's proposal had shifted from its previous stance that "a complete deprivation of the supplementary investigation authority is excessive," Minister Jeong replied, "The most important thing is to protect the fundamental rights of the public and to safeguard victims' rights during investigations so that there are no unjust victims. From that perspective, whatever choice is made must be thoroughly discussed, and alternatives must be developed. That has always been and remains my position."

Minister Jeong stated, "If there are foreseeable problems when the supplementary investigation authority is abolished, the National Assembly must create legislative remedies," and added, "It is important to establish institutional mechanisms to ensure that requests for supplementary investigations are effective and to prevent the police from abusing their authority." He continued, "In that respect, sufficient legislative supplementation is possible."

Minister Jeong also said, "While the government has a basic position, ultimately, it is the National Assembly that must legislate. I suggested to Floor Leader Jeong that it would be good for the opposition parties to actively voice their opinions and present alternatives during the legislative process." He continued, "Regarding various bills, I also mentioned that it would be beneficial for the opposition to participate in standing committees and share their views."

Earlier, during the meeting with Minister Jeong, Floor Leader Jeong stated, "The prosecution's supplementary investigation authority must be maintained." He continued, "I understand that both Minister Jeong and President Lee Jaemyung have clearly believed that at least part of the supplementary investigation authority should be preserved. It is difficult to accept the sudden 180-degree shift to the complete abolition of the authority, in other words, allowing the police to monopolize investigative powers."

Floor Leader Jeong criticized, "I am deeply disappointed with the government and the ruling party. This issue should be handled strictly from the perspective of victims and the public, but it is being used as a source of internal strife aimed at the Democratic Party’s national convention." He added, "I would like to ask the Lee Jaemyung administration whether it is truly indifferent to the tears and grievances of victims and their families. Is venting the anger and relieving the stress of hardline Democratic supporters the priority?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.