Cho Kuk "Origin of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency... The Entire Nation Witnesses Prosecutorial Overreach"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk expressed his hope for the complete abolition of the prosecution's investigative authority and the establishment of the 'Serious Crime Investigation Agency' to which this authority would be transferred.

On the 12th, Cho linked an Asia Economy article titled "126 Years of Prosecution, Into History... Complete Abolition of Investigative Authority Becomes Visible" on Facebook and stated, "I hope that in the new year, a separated system of 'Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), Prosecutor's Office, Serious Crime Investigation Agency, and Police Agency' will be established."

He dismissed concerns that overall investigative capabilities might decline as "groundless worries." Cho said, "Prosecutors who have aptitude and experience in investigating the six major crimes and wish to continue doing so can leave the 'Prosecutor's Office' and change their affiliation and position to the 'Serious Crime Investigation Agency.'" He added, "The initial plan of the Moon Jae-in administration's party-government-office was a staged approach: after achieving the establishment of the CIO and adjustment of investigative authority, proceed to the final goal of prosecution reform, which is the separation of investigation and prosecution. However, after the entire nation witnessed the prosecution's rampage and raised candles, this changed."

He further stated, "If the Serious Crime Investigation Agency is newly established, legal amendments should be made so that the CIO holds the authority to investigate and prosecute high-ranking officials of this organization."

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