DPK: "Fundamental Principle Is Separation of Investigation and Prosecution... Investigative Agencies Must Not Wield Unchecked Power"

Plenary Session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on July 8

Supplementary Investigative Rights Debated in Response to the "Jang Yunki Case"

People Power Party Boycotts, Protesting Committee Chair

The Democratic Party of Korea recently emphasized the need for victim protection measures in response to the Jang Yunki evidence destruction case, highlighting the implications of the "complete abolition of supplementary investigative rights."

At the plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held in the afternoon of July 8 at the National Assembly, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Namhee stated, "There have been cases where the families of criminals colluded with police officers investigating the case to destroy and discard evidence. Can the public accept such situations?" She added, "There needs to be a system to prevent or detect similar incidents where the police collude with the victim's side or destroy evidence."

She further said, "We are about to amend the Criminal Procedure Act, which will change the investigative procedures in Korea," and emphasized, "During this reform process, no investigative agency should wield unchecked power, and there should be no unjust victims."

Jeong Seongho, Minister of Justice, is responding to questions at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News

Justice Minister Sung Ho Jung said, "In the past, the prosecution monopolized power, leading to cases of misuse and abuse. Therefore, the fundamental principle of separating investigation and prosecution must be firmly upheld," adding, "Checks and controls over investigative agencies, as well as cross-verification in investigations, are necessary. I hope the committee members will deliberate thoroughly on these aspects."

Kim Seungwon, another lawmaker from the same party, remarked, "Destroying or concealing evidence related to a case also constitutes a crime of perverting the course of justice," and added, "This case that occurred in Gwangju also appears to fall under such a crime."

Park Eunjeong, a lawmaker from the Rebuilding Korea Party, also commented on the same case, stating, "The government has set its policy on investigative rights, and this is a forum to discuss how to ensure a healthy and desirable separation between investigation and prosecution," and added, "The Minister must supervise the media manipulation by prosecutors who try to fan the flames."

Minister Jung drew a line, saying, "I do not believe prosecutors are conspiring to manipulate the media." He continued, "The issue now is whether to simply indict based on the results of the first investigative agency, or how to verify any shortcomings in the investigation. The consistent argument is that victim protection must not be neglected in this process."

Suh Younggyo, Democratic Party lawmaker and chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, said, "When there is a victim, all resources must be mobilized to apprehend the criminal," and emphasized, "During this process, if a police officer conducting the initial investigation commits any wrongdoing, they must be clearly punished, and if the investigator is found to be connected to their police officer parent, they must be replaced immediately."

Yoon Sanghyun and Song Seokjun of the People Power Party are leaving after finishing their protest with placards regarding the reorganization of the National Assembly's second half at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The investigation team at Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station has been embroiled in controversy over allegations that they allowed police officer Jang Yunki's father to destroy evidence in the so-called "Gwangju High School Girl Murder Case." While the ruling bloc is currently pushing for a revision of the Criminal Procedure Act that would fully abolish prosecutors' supplementary investigative rights, public opinion has emerged against abolishing these rights in light of the "Gwangju High School Girl Murder Case."

The plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held on this day proceeded without the participation of People Power Party lawmakers. People Power Party members paid a protest visit to the committee room, criticizing the convening of the committee without their involvement and the discussion of the Criminal Procedure Act amendment, which includes the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigative rights.

Kim Seungsoo, Senior Deputy Floor Leader of the People Power Party, questioned, "Who can guarantee that a second or third Jang Yunki case will not occur if supplementary investigative rights are abolished? Who will guarantee public safety and resolve the grievances of victims? Who will take responsibility for the investigative vacuum?"

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