Justice Minister Jeong Seongho Steps Down: "Prosecution's Decision to Withdraw President Lee's Indictment Unrelated to My Resignation"

"If the indictment was initiated by illegal procedures, it is up to the prosecution to decide"
On the revised Criminal Procedure Act: "Foreseeable issues must be addressed proactively"

Minister of Justice Jeong Seongho stated regarding the issue of withdrawing the prosecution against President Lee Jaemyung that, "If the indictment was initiated through illegal procedures, it is a matter for the prosecution to determine." Addressing some interpretations that he resigned due to the burden of withdrawing the prosecution, he drew a clear line, saying, "That is completely untrue."

Justice Minister Seongho Jeong is answering reporters' questions after the farewell ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News

Minister Jeong made these remarks on the 26th while speaking to the press after completing his farewell ceremony at the Government Complex Gwacheon.

He said, "Discussions are ongoing in the National Assembly, including a special prosecutor, and even within the prosecution, there is self-reflection that the past wrongful practices need to be addressed during the transition to the Public Prosecution Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office." He added, "The Prosecution Human Rights and Future Committee is examining investigative processes that have raised public suspicion, so proper deliberation should follow based on its findings."

In response to concerns that many cases related to President Lee have been included in the Future Committee’s investigation, he emphasized, "Weren't there many issues with cases involving President Lee during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration?" and clarified, "The committee was not established specifically for Lee Jaemyung's cases just because they involve him."

Regarding the revised Criminal Procedure Act set to take effect this October, he said it is necessary to address foreseeable issues in advance. Minister Jeong stated, "Rather than correcting problems only after they emerge in the implementation process, shouldn’t we proactively amend areas where issues are clearly expected?"

During the farewell ceremony, ahead of the implementation of the new criminal justice system, he urged, "Please do your best to ensure that no citizens suffer unfairly in the course of these changes." He added, "For anticipated issues, please prepare measures in advance, and swiftly improve any problems that arise after implementation."

Minister Jeong was appointed as the first Minister of Justice under President Lee Jaemyung's administration in July of last year, leading prosecutorial reform legislation such as the abolition of the Prosecution Service and the establishment of the Public Prosecution Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office. He stated, "I will return to the National Assembly, fulfill my duties, and continue to do my utmost to support the Ministry of Justice."

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