Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye: "I will keep in mind the criticism of the new Prosecutor General requirements"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Justice Minister Park Beom-gye stated, in response to criticism over mentioning 'alignment with the president's national governance philosophy' as a criterion for selecting the next Prosecutor General, that he would "take note" of the concerns.

On the 26th, as he arrived at the Ministry of Justice Gwacheon Office, Park responded to reporters' questions about the criticism that "(his remarks) showed no consideration for guaranteeing the independence and neutrality of the prosecution" by saying, "I will take note of such points raised by some media."

He added, "Breaking away from political prosecution has been a long-standing wish of President Moon Jae-in. Since every detail I mention could influence personnel decisions, I will not elaborate further. There is also a Judiciary Committee meeting tomorrow."

Earlier, on the 23rd, Minister Park faced criticism after stating that the criterion for selecting the next Prosecutor General would be "a strong correlation with the president's national governance philosophy."

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon criticized, "I doubted my ears at Minister Park's remarks. I am truly concerned about what the minister thinks prosecution reform means," and added, "It is disconcerting that the minister so casually admitted wanting a prosecution that listens well."

Minister Park did not respond when asked about his thoughts on lawmaker Cho's criticism.

Regarding whether Lee Sung-yoon, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office chief who has been registered as a suspect in connection with former Vice Minister Kim Hak-ui's illegal travel ban allegations, would be included among the candidates for Prosecutor General, Minister Park refrained from commenting, saying, "How could I answer that?"

He also said, "The recommendation committee is effectively starting today, and materials will be sent to the members today," adding, "We will cooperate to ensure thorough discussions."

On the criticism that Prosecutor Lee's request for a prosecution review committee was inappropriate as a current prosecution official, Park said, "Since this is proceeding outside the Ministry of Justice, I have no reason to comment. The prosecution review committee is separate from the Prosecutor General personnel matters."

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