President Lee Jae-myung Advocates for Prosecutorial Reform

On July 3, President Lee Jae-myung held a press conference titled '30 Days of the Presidency: The Media Asks, The People Receive Answers' at the Blue House. During the event, he emphasized the necessity of prosecutorial reform, dedicating over ten minutes to critique the prosecution's practices. He accused the prosecution of manipulating cases to align with their charges, labeling it as 'self-inflicted harm' by the prosecution itself. Having faced investigations and indictments during the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Seok-yeol administrations, President Lee has consistently expressed deep distrust towards the prosecution.

President Lee stated, "There seems to be a consensus that the same entity (the prosecution) should not hold both investigative and prosecutorial powers," referring to the situation as a form of 'self-inflicted harm.' He noted that during the Moon administration, there was significant public resistance to separating the investigative powers of prosecutors, but that sentiment has diminished, indicating a growing recognition of the need for reform.

He further asserted, "Without going into lengthy discussions, investigations aimed solely at prosecution and manipulating cases to fit charges should never occur." He added, "The situation has worsened, and we all feel it."

Citing a legal maxim, he remarked, "Even if ten criminals escape, we must not create one innocent victim," questioning the reality of the current system. He intensified his criticism by stating, "It is far worse when power is abused, and such occurrences are alarmingly frequent. This is unacceptable; it resembles a primitive state."

Currently, lawmakers Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae, who are running for the leadership of the Democratic Party, have pledged to pass a 'Prosecution Abolition Law' before this year's Chuseok holiday. In contrast, Justice Minister nominee Jeong Seong-ho has advocated for a more cautious approach, promising reforms that the opposition can accept. When asked about the differing temperatures regarding these reforms, President Lee suggested that it might be feasible to establish a framework for the system by the time of Chuseok.

He emphasized that prosecutorial reform is a matter for the National Assembly, stating, "Changing the system is not something that can be decided through compromise within the government; it requires legislative action from the National Assembly." He added that the government's role is to minimize conflicts and side effects arising from these changes and to facilitate a smooth and swift process. President Lee acknowledged that while he cannot dictate the National Assembly's actions, he respects its autonomy and aims to collaborate as much as possible. A ruling party official noted that addressing the demands of the strong support base is a significant challenge for the president.

In response to criticisms regarding the appointment of Bong Wook, a former prosecutor, as the chief of civil affairs responsible for prosecutorial reform, President Lee stated, "Public officials must follow the will of the elected power. If they do not comply, they can be replaced." Bong took notes throughout President Lee's remarks on prosecutorial reform.

When asked how he plans to resolve legislative conflicts, President Lee admitted that he had been particularly concerned about the healthcare crisis since taking office. He noted that the change in government seems to have slightly alleviated public distrust, citing a welcoming statement from medical organizations regarding the nomination of Jeong Eun-kyeong as the Minister of Health and Welfare. He expressed hope for a swift appointment of the health minister.

Regarding measures for addressing overcrowding in the metropolitan area and regional imbalances, President Lee acknowledged that it may not be possible to eliminate the trend entirely but insisted on the need for a comprehensive transformation. He suggested that policies and budget allocations should prioritize regional needs to restore some balance.

On the issue of the second relocation of public institutions, President Lee admitted that specific plans have yet to be established, stating, "Determining where to place specific public institutions is a challenging issue." However, he reiterated the necessity of relocating the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, directing a swift push for this relocation during an afternoon meeting with his senior aides. When questioned about the anti-discrimination law, he acknowledged it as one of society's challenges but emphasized that immediate issues related to people's livelihoods and the economy take precedence, advocating for addressing urgent matters first.