Acting Prosecutor General Joo Jahyun Tenders Resignation... "I Take Responsibility for Amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act"

"Earnestly Ask for Further Review to Ensure No Deficiencies in Protecting the Public"

Acting Prosecutor General Joo Jahyun tendered his resignation after the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which centers on abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation authority, was passed by the plenary session of the National Assembly.

On the 31st, when the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act completely abolishing the prosecutor's authority for direct and supplementary investigations passed the National Assembly plenary session, Deputy Prosecutor General Koo Jahyun spoke as he exited the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-dong. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

At 6 p.m. on the 31st, in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Acting Prosecutor General Joo stated, "I believe that all members of the prosecution must deeply reflect on the areas where the prosecution has failed to earn the public's trust." He continued, "Even if institutional reforms are made for such reasons, the essence of the prosecutorial system, which involves uncovering substantive truth and protecting victims and other parties involved in cases, must not be undermined."

He continued, "We have consistently raised concerns that with this amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, prosecutors will inevitably have to rely solely on investigation records when making charging decisions, it will be difficult to adequately protect victims, and the structure is inefficient, requiring significant time and costs." He added, "However, these points were not reflected, and the amendment was passed as is. I cannot hide my feelings of regret and frustration."

He also called for alternatives in response to the passage of the amendment. He said, "Even if the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which has passed the plenary session of the National Assembly, is forwarded to the government and implemented, I earnestly ask that it be reviewed once again to ensure there are no systemic gaps and no deficiencies in protecting the public." He concluded, "I, too, feel a deep sense of responsibility regarding this amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which has been enacted while concerns from experts and the public remain unresolved."

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