Park Jumin: "'Geomsu Wanbak' Can Be Processed in the Regular National Assembly... Will Report to Leadership Soon"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed the opinion that the complete abolition of the prosecution's investigative authority and the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency bill could be processed within this year's regular National Assembly session. However, he emphasized that the judgment of the Democratic Party leadership is important, and that a leadership report from the Prosecution Reform Special Committee will be made soon.

On the 24th, Park appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "The bill related to the Serious Crime Investigation Agency has been promoted by the Prosecution Reform Special Committee established within the party." He added, "I have not yet reported to the new party leader. I will report soon, and after the report, the leadership will decide how to handle the Prosecution Reform Special Committee and the speed and direction of related legislation." He was elected as the new ruling party floor leader of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 20th.

When asked if "the speed should be considered slow or take quite a long time," he replied, "No. Because we already have the content we have been considering and preparing, depending on the leadership's judgment, it may not take much time."

The special committee has drafted a bill to completely abolish the prosecution's investigative authority over six major crimes (corruption, economy, public officials, elections, defense business, and large-scale disasters) and to establish the Serious Crime Investigation Agency to take over these investigations. Committee member Hwang Unha personally proposed a related bill in February. Park has been leading the task force (TF) within the committee on the separation of investigation and prosecution.

When the host asked, "Is the real deadline the regular National Assembly session (held every year on September 1)? Is it possible to process it by then?" Park said, "Considering the prepared situation and other factors, I think that is possible." However, he added, "At the current situation, it is not my judgment that is important, but the leadership's judgment."

Regarding the connection with the Ministry of Justice's prosecution organization reform efforts, he mentioned, "Even if the Serious Crime Investigation Agency proceeds, there will be a grace period after the law passes, right? During that time, organizational adjustments may still be necessary."

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