Lee Jae-myung Requests Removal of Indictment Withdrawal Provision from Special Prosecutor Bill on Fabricated Indictment Case

Calling for Measures to Prevent Unnecessary Controversy

On September 18, President Lee Jae-myung requested the National Assembly to retain the special prosecutor's authority to investigate the alleged fabricated indictment case, but to remove from the special prosecutor bill any authority over the transfer or resolution of already indicted cases. Addressing the controversy surrounding the potential withdrawal of charges in cases related to himself, he stated, "Everything should be handled according to due process, the law, and principles," while cautioning against unnecessary political disputes.

On the 18th, citizens at the Seoul Station concourse watched the live broadcast of President Lee Jae-myung's seventh press conference. 2026.9.18 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

At a press conference held that morning at the guesthouse of the Presidential Office, President Lee responded to questions about whether it is appropriate for the special prosecutor on the fabricated indictment case to be granted the power to withdraw indictments, as well as calls for him to clarify his stance on refusing to withdraw charges in his own case or to stand trial after his term ends.

President Lee said, "Many misunderstandings and controversies are arising," and added, "It is not desirable for unnecessary political disputes or expanding misunderstandings about myself or the government to occur because of certain statements."

He went on to emphasize the need for a special prosecutor in the fabricated indictment case. President Lee stated, "I am not the only person harmed by excessive investigations and indictments for political purposes under the previous administration," and added, "For cases involving malicious investigations or suspected fabrication, it is right to seek the truth through a special prosecutor."

He further explained, "If the investigative agencies under my direction were to handle this matter, further misunderstandings would arise," adding, "It is necessary for the National Assembly to act quickly and investigate the truth in a fair and transparent manner through a special prosecutor, so that the facts can be revealed to the public."

However, he made it clear that he is opposed to linking the authority to withdraw indictments in existing cases to the special prosecutor bill. President Lee stated, "There is an ongoing debate about whether to allow the withdrawal of charges in existing cases," and added, "The matter could simply be resolved according to the law, principles, and common sense based on the outcome, but it is regrettable that this issue is unnecessarily being politicized and the essence is being obscured."

He especially called on the National Assembly, saying, "Among the currently debated authorities of the special prosecutor, I ask that the clauses regarding the transfer and resolution of existing indicted cases be deleted, and that the focus remains solely on uncovering the truth," and requested measures to prevent unnecessary controversy around the withdrawal of indictments.

Regarding his own case, he commented, "Although I know the truth, another objective process to demonstrate it is necessary." Referring to not only suspicions targeting himself but also other cases involving journalists, public officials, politicians, and civilians, he stressed that the special prosecutor's investigation is not a procedure intended for a specific individual.

On the subject of prosecution reform, he stated, "I will take responsibility for achieving the historic task of irreversible prosecution reform." He noted that the separation of investigation and indictment powers—through excluding prosecutors from investigations and separating the prosecution service from investigative agencies—is reaching completion.

Nonetheless, concerning possible investigative gaps resulting from eliminating prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority, he said these would be addressed by oversight and safeguards over the police. President Lee declared, "Through robust police reform, we will dispel public concerns that the police might regress into an almighty power monopoly due to the exclusive right to investigate."

At the press conference, President Lee also conveyed his intention to maintain the direction of reform while further communicating and fostering unity with the public during implementation. This suggests that, although he aims to reduce conflict that may arise from reform initiatives, including prosecution reform, he intends to proceed as planned with key reforms such as the separation of investigation and indictment functions.

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