Hong Nam-ki: "Ministry of Justice's Prosecution Special Activity Funds Mostly Used by Prosecution"

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, is responding at the plenary meeting of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated on the 9th regarding the 'Prosecutor's Special Activity Fund Controversy' triggered by Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's order for an inspection, "It is generally believed that the Ministry of Justice's special activity funds are used by the prosecution."

On the morning of the same day, at the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee plenary session, in response to a question from Yoon Sang-beom of the People Power Party asking, "Aren't special activity funds paid to those who actually perform the work?" Deputy Prime Minister Hong replied, "The execution by the ministries is also very limited."

He also responded to a question about whether the Minister of Justice, who does not conduct intelligence or investigative activities, can use special activity funds by saying, "They probably can use them in a limited way."

Furthermore, he explained, "I understand that some funds are also used within the Ministry of Justice outside the prosecution, such as in correctional facilities for preventing escape, flight, and illegal immigration," adding, "I am not involved in the details. The financial authorities do not grasp the specifics of special activity fund execution in detail."

Deputy Prime Minister Hong continued, "Starting from next year's budget, if the need for confidentiality is not significant, special activity funds have been converted to specific task performance funds."

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