Jang Je-won: "The Minister Should Embrace Prosecutors' Backlash" Chu Mi-ae: "Opposition Lawmakers' Words Give Me Strength"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae attended the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 5th and greeted before presenting the proposed budget for the next year. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Contrary to the usual harsh words and loud voices, an unexpected scene unfolded at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th. This occurred during the questioning and answering between Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae and People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won.

At the full committee meeting that day, Lawmaker Jang referred to next year's Ministry of Justice budget, saying, "Minister Chu has a strong will to reform the prosecution into a trial-centered system, but what should be done if the budget to support this is not provided?" He added, "I am worried whether the prosecution can break through the changing environment with the budget allocated by the government."

Lawmaker Jang continued, "If there is a need to increase the budget, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee should increase it," and said, "Since the Supreme Court's budget is not large either, if you bring a system improvement plan, I will withdraw my opinion on budget cuts." Minister Chu responded with a smile, "That is truly welcome news."

Lawmaker Jang also showed a conciliatory attitude regarding the recent conflicts between Minister Chu and prosecutors. He said, "If young prosecutors and ambitious new prosecutors resist, the Minister should embrace them warmly," advising, "I hope the Minister not only acts as a father figure but also as a mother figure, rather than being intimidating."

Minister Chu smiled and replied, "I heard very good words. Thank you. I agree with your words. Since an opposition lawmaker said that, I suddenly feel a bit more energized." She added, "I will work to create an atmosphere where we can communicate well with prosecutors and participate in reforms."

Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, is questioning during the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court, Board of Audit and Inspection, Constitutional Court, and Legislation Office held by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 26th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News.

Previously, Lawmaker Jang and Minister Chu also showed a smiling clash during the National Assembly audit on the 26th of last month. When Lawmaker Jang pointed out the growing calls for Minister Chu's resignation, she smiled and retorted, "You should try being a minister once, too."

In response, Lawmaker Jang said, "Thank you very much for planting a dream of another challenge for me. Since it seems this administration won't let me, I will study hard, take power, and set a dream as a non-legal professional," to which Minister Chu replied, "I will support you. I will guide you a lot."

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