Yoon Seok-yeol, Prosecutor General, Says "Still Insufficient in Self-Reform"... Asks the Prosecutors' Human Rights Committee to "Gather Wisdom"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol acknowledged that despite the prosecution's self-initiated reforms, "there may still be shortcomings in meeting the public's expectations," and asked the newly launched Prosecutors' Human Rights Committee on the 5th to "lend their wisdom."

Prosecutor General Yoon made these remarks during the 'Prosecutors' Human Rights Committee Appointment Ceremony' held in the large conference room on the 15th floor of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office main building that morning.

Yoon reflected, "So far, the prosecution has reviewed the exercise of prosecutorial power, investigative practices, and internal culture from the perspective of the Constitution and the public, and has pursued reforms with an attitude of working together with the people," adding, "We have boldly and proactively prepared and implemented self-reform measures such as minimizing direct investigations by the prosecution, abolishing public summons and late-night interrogations, and strengthening the defense counsel's right to argue."

Despite these efforts, he said, "I believe there are still areas that fall short of meeting the public's expectations," emphasizing, "Since the prosecution's law enforcement authority is granted by the people, it is important to listen to the voices of the public throughout all work processes. Accordingly, the prosecution has formed the Human Rights Committee to listen to the people's voices and to exercise prosecutorial power and pursue reforms that resonate with and meet the public's expectations."

The Prosecutors' Human Rights Committee is chaired by former Constitutional Court Justice Kang Il-won and consists of 15 experts from various sectors of society, including the legal community, academia, media, culture, and civic organizations. Going forward, the committee will discuss and advise on all major issues related to prosecutorial work, including institutional improvements and reforms.

Prosecutor General Yoon stated, "(The formation of the Prosecutors' Human Rights Committee) signifies that the value of 'human rights' is at the center of all discussions and considerations," and added, "The committee is expected to independently find the direction to move forward, separate from the prosecution organization, and to not hesitate to offer candid criticism to the prosecution."

He continued, "I ask the committee members to pool their wisdom so that through reforms aligned with the changing spirit of the times and the public's expectations, the prosecution can open a better future."

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