Cho Kuk "We Must Establish the Serious Crime Investigation Agency... The Final Button of Prosecution Reform"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Joo-mi Lee] Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk raised his voice, saying that the establishment of the 'Serious Crime Investigation Agency' is the completion of prosecutorial reform.

On the 16th, former Minister Cho stated on Facebook, "If an investigative agency dedicated to the six major serious crimes (corruption, economy, public officials, elections, defense industry, large-scale disasters, etc., crimes designated by presidential decree) is created, investigation and prosecution will be separated, completing the final button of prosecutorial reform."

He continued, "By establishing the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, a structure of separation and mutual checks and balances can be completed," emphasizing, "Now is the perfect opportunity to carry out investigative structure reform that can last for the next 100 years."

Regarding criticism that it is premature to separate prosecutorial investigative authority again after last year's adjustment of investigative authority between the police and prosecution, former Minister Cho explained, "The separation-related bill can be passed this time, and a grace period for enforcement can be set in the supplementary provisions."

He also responded to concerns about investigative gaps by saying, "Since personnel wishing to investigate within the existing prosecution office can be transferred to the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, there will be no gap in the total volume of investigations."

Earlier, on the 12th, former Minister Cho also advocated for the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency through Facebook, saying, "I hope that in the new year, a separated system of 'Corruption Investigation Office - Prosecution Office - Serious Crime Investigation Agency - Police Agency' will be established."

Meanwhile, on the 8th, Assemblyman Hwang Unha of the Democratic Party of Korea proposed the 'Serious Crime Investigation Agency Establishment Act,' which transfers serious crimes, including the six major crimes handled by the prosecution, to the Serious Crime Investigation Agency. According to the bill, the prosecution's direct investigative function will be completely abolished, and the prosecution will only be responsible for indictment and maintaining public prosecution.

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