Jang Donghyuk: "President Lee's Order to Supplement Abolition of Prosecutors' Supplementary Investigation Rights? It Will Only Be a Band-Aid"

On August 12, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, addressed President Lee Jae-myung's order to develop supplementary measures following the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights. Jang stated, "It is highly unlikely that either the Democratic Party of Korea or the government will prepare any meaningful measures," adding, "Even if such measures were introduced, they would amount to nothing more than temporary fixes."

Attending the 'People Power Party Forum on Measures for Women’s Safety,' hosted by the party's Central Women's Committee at the National Assembly that afternoon, Jang said, "This administration has dismantled the prosecution and reassembled the hardware, but it has yet to address the software—the Criminal Procedure Code that governs legal procedures. If matters continue this way, it's hard to predict the extent of harm that could befall the public." He went on to express his concerns.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and Jeong Jeomsik, floor leader, are attending the forum titled 'Who Will Protect the People Amid the Female Safety Gap Caused by the Abolition of Supplementary Investigation Rights?' held at the National Assembly on August 12, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding President Lee's comment that he 'had not even read the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code,' Jang questioned, "Did he already know how serious a problem this would be, or was he afraid of being remembered as a major wrongdoer in history?" He continued, "This administration is not only incompetent and irresponsible, but it also disregards the people."

Jang further explained, "As seen in cases like the so-called Busan Dodging Case, police may become so focused on one aspect of an investigation that preconceived notions could prevent a full view of the case. That is why there must be an opportunity for prosecutorial supplementary investigation rights." He also stated, "As demonstrated in the Jang Yun-gi case, the supplementary investigation rights serve as a vital check against illegal acts such as police manipulating or concealing evidence, given the enormous power the police possess."

Jang emphasized, "If the issue lies with political prosecutors, then the solution would be to reform or restrict their powers, not to cut off the system entirely as has been done." He added, "At the very least, the People Power Party must step up to deliberate on how to protect victims of crime and all citizens, and to prepare effective countermeasures."

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