Justice Minister Choo Mi Ae Mentions "Reform" 17 Times in Inaugural Address... Reform Accelerates (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Justice as the Department Responsible for Reform
Ensuring Smooth Implementation of the Corruption Investigation Office Act
Prosecution Should Be a Partner in Reform
Expected to Meet Yoon Seokyeol Next Week

New Minister of Justice Choo Mi Ae is delivering her inaugural speech at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice building in Gwacheon on the 3rd. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy, reporter Kim Hyungmin] At her inauguration on January 3, newly appointed Justice Minister Choo Mi Ae reiterated her commitment to prosecutorial reform in her inaugural address, delivering a clear message to the prosecution. While she did not explicitly label the prosecution as a force resisting reform, she made it clear that the Ministry of Justice is an institution capable of democratically overseeing the prosecution, effectively combining both conciliatory and cautionary tones.

The word "reform" appeared 17 times in Minister Choo's speech. She referred to the Ministry of Justice as "the department in charge of prosecutorial reform," emphasizing that "we must approach the completion of this historic reform with a special attitude and mindset."

First, regarding the bill to establish the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which passed the National Assembly, and the bill on the adjustment of investigative powers between the prosecution and the police, which is awaiting a vote, she stressed, "We must ensure that follow-up measures are thoroughly implemented so that these can be carried out smoothly in the field of justice." Specifically, she stated, "We must not only revise enforcement ordinances but also fundamentally change the organizational culture and existing practices, serving as a 'priming water' for reform."

She also emphasized the need to redefine the relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution. Minister Choo believes that the status of the Ministry of Justice has declined compared to the prosecution. She stated, "I make it clear that restoring the status of the Ministry of Justice is an essential prerequisite for the prosecution to return to its proper place."

She went on to say, "I intend to restore this status," and pledged to use the authority and responsibility vested in the Minister of Justice to "implement legal administration that upholds the rule of law." She also said, "To regain public trust, I will accelerate the process of distancing the Ministry from the prosecution and ensure democratic oversight of the prosecution."

This can also be interpreted as an intention to strengthen control over the prosecution through personnel appointments following her inauguration. Previously, at her National Assembly confirmation hearing, Minister Choo indicated a strong exercise of her personnel authority, stating, "Personnel appointments are not something to be coordinated with the Prosecutor General, but rather a matter of listening to his opinion." This stands in stark contrast to Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyeol's New Year's address on January 2, in which he said, "The environment inside and outside the prosecution will not be easy this year," but also pledged, "I will protect the legitimate convictions of our members to the very end."

She also pointed out the need for internal reform within the prosecution. Minister Choo emphasized, "There must be 'jultak-dongsi'." 'Jultak-dongsi' is a four-character idiom meaning that for a chick to hatch from an egg, the chick must peck from inside (jul), while the hen pecks from outside (tak) at the same time. Minister Choo said, "Prosecutorial reform cannot be achieved solely by external forces; voices for change and reform must also emerge from within the prosecution."

Minister Choo stated that the ultimate goal of prosecutorial reform is to ensure the safety of the people and uphold the rule of law. She highlighted three principles that the Ministry of Justice should pursue during her tenure: human rights, public livelihood, and the rule of law. She added, "We aim to provide the highest quality legal services befitting the status of a top 10 global economic power."

Newly appointed Minister of Justice Choo Mi Ae is greeting employees at the inauguration ceremony held at the Gwacheon Ministry of Justice building on the 3rd. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

To this end, she concluded by stating that the Ministry of Justice and its affiliated organizations must "return to the attitude of public servants who serve the sovereign people with humility, rather than pursuing the individual interests of the organization." This remark appears to be directed at the prosecution, which has recently been in sharp conflict with the government. Minister Choo also said, "We will support internal reforms within the legal administration organization to eliminate any sense of privilege within the organization, so that each individual can work with pride and conviction in serving the people."

Meanwhile, Minister Choo is expected to meet frequently with members of the prosecution. She hinted at this intention in her inaugural address, stating, "I will not treat the prosecution merely as a target of reform, but will make them partners in reform to achieve the successful prosecutorial reform the people desire." Minister Choo is expected to meet with Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyeol sometime next week. Prosecutor General Yoon did not attend the inauguration ceremony on this day and therefore did not meet Minister Choo. It is expected that he will pay a courtesy visit later. It is customary in the legal community for the Prosecutor General to pay a courtesy visit when a new Minister of Justice is appointed.

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