Key facts
- Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho submitted his resignation letter.
- The resignation follows the passage of legislation stripping the prosecution of investigative authority.
- Jung cited health issues and the completion of the reform bill as reasons for stepping down.
- The new law leaves the prosecution mainly with the ability to indict, removing supplementary investigative powers.
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho submitted his resignation letter to Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday, citing the completion of legislation that strips the prosecution of its investigative authority. Sources indicated that Jung also cited health issues in his letter, which was also submitted to the Ministry of Personnel Management. He reportedly stated that the new criminal justice system should be completed under new leadership.
The minister had previously voiced concerns regarding the revision to the Criminal Procedure Act, which removed the prosecution's remaining authority to conduct supplementary investigations when police investigations are deemed inadequate. This leaves the prosecution primarily with the power to indict.
Shortly after the bill's passage, Jung informed reporters that the new system might necessitate additional revisions if it results in harm or inadequate protection for crime victims. It was also reported that President Lee Jae Myung had previously discouraged, if not rejected, Jung's earlier intentions to resign.