The 2nd Advisory Meeting of the Corruption Investigation Office Preparation Team Again 'Prosecutor Passing'

Controversy Expected to Grow Over the Outcome

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The second meeting preparing for the establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gong-su-cheo) was held on the 21st, but like the first meeting, the prosecution was excluded from the process. Since the prosecution's claims to be reflected in detailed matters such as Gong-su-cheo's authority are clear, there is a high possibility of controversy over the outcomes discussed without the prosecution's participation.

The Gong-su-cheo Establishment Preparation Team and Advisory Committee held their second meeting at 10 a.m. at the Government Seoul Office Building. The meeting, conducted strictly behind closed doors, is known to have discussed agenda items such as the organizational structure of Gong-su-cheo and legislative adjustments. Following the introductory first meeting, the second meeting marked the start of substantive agenda discussions, accelerating preparations for Gong-su-cheo's launch on July 15. This is especially noted given the ruling party's landslide victory in the April 15 general election.

However, the preparation team once again did not include prosecution officials in the meeting. From the outset, the preparation team was formed on February 10 with about 20 members dispatched from related ministries including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Strategy and Finance, and the Ministry of Government Legislation, led by former Minister of Government Legislation Nam Ki-myeong, excluding the prosecution. The prosecution can submit opinions to the preparation team through the National Assembly or the Ministry of Justice, but it has been confirmed that they did not do so this time. Instead, related departments of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office reportedly held long meetings the day before to strengthen internal response plans regarding the establishment of Gong-su-cheo and changes in the judicial system.

In particular, the prosecution is interested in discussing the details of Article 24, Paragraph 2 of the Gong-su-cheo Act, which mandates compulsory notification to Gong-su-cheo upon discovering corruption among high-ranking officials. In December last year, they even submitted a revision proposal for this provision to the National Assembly. Regarding legislative adjustments, the constitutionality controversy over the Gong-su-cheo Act is also a task the preparation team must resolve. The Constitutional Court has formally accepted and is reviewing a constitutional complaint filed by the United Future Party requesting a ruling on the constitutionality of the Gong-su-cheo Act.

The appointment of the first Gong-su-cheo Chief, which is receiving the most attention, is reportedly not being discussed by the preparation team, considering it is a National Assembly authority. According to the Gong-su-cheo Act, the Chief is recommended to the President by a 'Candidate Recommendation Committee' formed by the National Assembly. As a preliminary step, the Korean Bar Association is verifying candidates recommended by its members by the 10th. Up to four candidates must be selected and notified to the recommendation committee. A Bar Association official explained, "The outline will be clear around June." There are also speculations that the government will exclude former prosecution officials from the first Gong-su-cheo Chief appointment.

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