Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Jeonghyun Tells All Staff, "The Prosecution Stands with the People"...On Withdrawal of Charges, "Will Review Findings" (Comprehensive)

Criticism of North Korea Remittance Investigation: "Investigative Principles"

Regarding Fewer Prosecutors: "Severe Staffing Shortage"

"The Prosecution Is the Guardian of the Rule of Law and a Bulwark for Human Rights"

Lee Jeonghyun, the newly appointed Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, addressed concerns on September 23 regarding the possibility of dropping charges in cases related to President Lee Jaemyung, stating, "We need to review the findings of the fact-finding team."

Lee Jeonghyun, the new Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, who will serve as the acting Prosecutor General, is greeting the press as he arrives for his first day of work at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on September 23, 2026. Photo by Jo Yongjun

On his first day at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Lee spoke with the press, saying, "Taking on such a heavy responsibility in difficult times weighs heavily on my shoulders," and made the above remarks.

There has been widespread attention within and outside the legal community regarding Lee's stance on maintaining or dropping charges in cases concerning President Lee, especially since he is expected to effectively lead the organization both as acting Prosecutor General and after the launch of the Public Prosecutors' Office scheduled for October 2. In particular, the controversy has grown as Lee previously criticized the investigative approach to the Ssangbangwool remittance-to-North Korea case during a parliamentary hearing in April, with some suggesting that his appointment might be intended to facilitate dropping charges against President Lee.

Addressing his prior evaluation of the Ssangbangwool remittance-to-North Korea investigation as a "highly flawed approach," Lee explained that it was a fundamental response reflecting his investigative philosophy. He said, "Restraint, dignity, and targeted investigation—removing only the problematic part—have always been emphasized by Prosecutors General and Ministers of Justice throughout history," adding, "In that sense, I meant that some aspects did not meet those standards."

He added, "I will do my utmost to ensure that the Public Prosecutors' Office is established early as an institution for human rights protection," and continued, "I will place special emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable groups and crime victims."

Lee expressed caution regarding the Ministry of Justice's plan to reduce the number of prosecutors. Drawing on his experience as Chief Prosecutor at the Suwon High Prosecutors' Office, Lee noted, "Upon reviewing operations under my jurisdiction, I found that each prosecutor's office is handling between 240 and 270 cases, and the actual number of prosecutors working is significantly insufficient," and added, "We will need to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Justice on this issue."

Amid continued concerns among members ahead of the establishment of the Public Prosecutors' Office, Lee emphasized communication. "It is all the more important to unite and communicate in difficult times," he stated, "I consider communication my highest priority, and I will share all information to prevent even minor misunderstandings."

Regarding relations with the Serious Crime Investigation Office and the police, he said, "We have now shifted to a cooperative relationship of equals, rather than a command structure," adding, "We will further strengthen prior cooperation, including signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs)." He continued, "That is the appropriate and horizontal relationship between state agencies."

Lee Jeonghyun, the newly appointed Deputy Prosecutor General who will serve as the acting Prosecutor General during the vacancy, is responding to reporters' questions as he makes his first day at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on September 23, 2026. Photo by Jo Yongjun

In an email sent on the same day to all prosecution staff, Lee said, "I thank all members who have performed their duties, considering the raison d'être of the prosecution even in harsh and difficult trials," adding, "I write these words with the mindset of standing at the very edge of a precipice." He emphasized, "As we grapple with mountains of case records and work quietly across the country, we stand not on any particular side, but with crime victims, the vulnerable, and the people of the Republic of Korea."

He continued, "The prosecution upholds due process, ensures fair conclusions, and remains steadfast in fulfilling its core mission under any circumstances, serving as both a guardian of the rule of law and a bulwark of human rights. If the members unite and stick to principles and fundamentals, the essence of the prosecution will not change, and we can earn the public's trust." He further stated, "I will face my duties with the resolve of taking one more step at the edge of a cliff."

The Ministry of Justice conducted a one-point personnel reshuffle the previous day, appointing Lee to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Koo Jahyun and to prepare for the establishment of the Public Prosecutors' Office. Former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Koo submitted his resignation in July, taking responsibility after the National Assembly passed the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act which abolished prosecutors' direct investigatory powers and supplementary investigation authority.

Lee, a native of Naju, Jeonnam, was promoted to chief prosecutor and served as head of the Public Investigation Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office under the Moon Jaein administration. After being demoted to a research position at the Judicial Research and Training Institute in May 2022, soon after the launch of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, he was later appointed Chief Prosecutor at the Suwon High Prosecutors' Office following the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration.

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