[Full Text] Opening Statement by Prosecutor General Nominee Kim Oh-soo at Confirmation Hearing

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Honorable Chairperson Yoon Ho-jung of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and distinguished members of the Committee,

I sincerely thank all the members who, despite your busy schedules, have spared no effort in preparing for this hearing.

It is a great honor for me to stand before you today for this confirmation hearing, in the presence of the Chairperson and all the distinguished members.

At the same time, I feel a sense of concern and apprehension about whether I will be able to properly fulfill the heavy responsibilities of the Prosecutor General.

As I participate in today’s confirmation hearing, I am reminded of March 1994, when I was first appointed as a rookie prosecutor at the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office.

I believe that the only reason I am able to stand here today, despite my youthful recklessness at the time, is entirely due to the guidance and teachings of my supervisors and senior colleagues.

I will humbly accept the advice and criticism from the respected members of this Committee, with the mindset of a rookie prosecutor.

I will take to heart the advice and criticism you offer me,

and if I am given the opportunity to serve as Prosecutor General after this hearing, I will do my utmost to stabilize the prosecution organization and create a fair and trustworthy prosecution service.

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Honorable Chairperson and distinguished members,

I was born in Gagok-ri, Hongnong-myeon, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, a rural village,

where I completed elementary and middle school.

I then graduated from high school in Gwangju and from university in Seoul.

After passing the bar exam and completing the Judicial Research and Training Institute, I served for three years as a military judicial officer in a frontline division in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do.

After getting married in 1991, I lived without owning a home for 18 years, until I was allotted my current residence in 2009, where I have lived for over ten years.

After completing my military service, I served as a prosecutor for 24 years and as Vice Minister of Justice for 1 year and 10 months.

Looking back on my years as a prosecutor, I always tried to do my best for the people, and this remains the source of my pride and identity.

As a rank-and-file prosecutor, I participated in investigations such as the so-called "North Wind Incident," where the head of the National Intelligence Service was involved in the presidential election, and the tragic death of a suspect due to prosecutorial misconduct at the Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office-an unfortunate chapter in the prosecution’s history.

I also uncovered and investigated stock price manipulation cases, and set a precedent by applying third-party bribery charges to a local government head.

As the inaugural Director of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office Scientific Investigation Department, I systematized digital forensic investigations and established the regulations for operating the Forensic Center, thereby laying the foundation for scientific investigations within the prosecution.

During my tenure as Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office, I established a system to notify suspects by text message when police cases were transferred to the prosecution, and

as Director of the Legal Research and Training Institute, I integrated the training curriculum for new prosecutors and systematized the legal and prosecutorial education system, which was highly rewarding.

After being appointed Vice Minister of Justice, I participated in the legislative process for criminal justice system reform, resolved the relocation issue of Geochang Detention Center-which had been stalled due to local residents’ conflicts-through active mediation and respect for the results of a local referendum,

introduced the electronic monitoring conditional bail system,

and established a rapid response system within the Ministry of Justice to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in response to COVID-19.

After completing my term as Vice Minister, I left public office and spent eight months working as a lawyer, during which I was able to directly experience the joys and sorrows of the people-a truly valuable time.

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Honorable Chairperson and distinguished members,

If my predecessor had completed his term, I, having already retired from public service, would not be standing here today ahead of many outstanding juniors.

Although there are a few precedents of Prosecutor Generals in similar situations, I am well aware that I fall short in both character and ability compared to those individuals.

However, stabilizing the prosecution organization in difficult times and ensuring the successful establishment of the new criminal justice system-now beginning to take root-are responsibilities that someone must undertake for the people.

Like the "wisdom of the old horse" in Han Feizi, I believe that my final duty is to work solely for the people.

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Honorable Chairperson and distinguished members,

I believe that the most important duty as Prosecutor General is to successfully establish the institutional prosecution reform that has been achieved for the first time in 70 years,

and, based on this, to complete the true prosecution reform desired by the people through continuous innovation in investigative practices and organizational culture within the prosecution.

As the nominee for Prosecutor General, I would like to briefly share my determination and resolve to fulfill these duties.

First, I will build a "prosecution service that earns the public’s trust."

Although institutional reforms such as the adjustment of investigative authority and the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have been implemented because the prosecution’s work has not met public expectations,

I am well aware that public perception of the prosecution remains cold and critical.

Recently, there have even been unfortunate observations of discord and factionalism within the prosecution organization, leading to mutual distrust.

In this reality, I believe the most important task is to build a "prosecution service that earns the public’s trust."

As Confucius taught, "A state cannot stand without the trust of the people." No organization can stand upright without public trust.

I will ensure that the prosecution serves only the people, pursuing truth and justice in accordance with the law and principles, without any political considerations.

I will further strengthen the prosecution’s role in judicial oversight and human rights protection, and establish an "investigative practice centered on listening," where the voices of the people are heard attentively.

While maintaining close communication and cooperation with relevant organizations such as the courts, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials based on mutual trust,

I will also actively communicate with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that fair personnel appointments place the right people in the right positions based on ability, qualifications, and character, thereby promoting organizational stability and harmony.

Next, I will build a "people-centered prosecution service."

I humbly accept the criticism that the prosecution has conducted its work based on organizational convenience and logic rather than focusing on the people, and I will ensure that "the people and human rights" are at the center of all prosecutorial work.

I will swiftly establish the new criminal justice system, which was created through numerous difficulties, to alleviate public inconvenience and ensure that the nation’s anti-corruption capabilities are maintained.

If the prosecution has so far focused on "seeing the forest," from now on, we will pay close attention to "each and every tree that makes up the forest,"

and do our utmost to resolve individual grievances in each case.

I will focus the prosecution’s capabilities on responding to crimes that directly affect the daily lives of the people, and provide stronger protection for socially vulnerable groups such as children, people with disabilities, and crime victims.

Lastly, I will build a "fair prosecution service."

I am fully aware of the ongoing controversies regarding fairness in the prosecution’s work.

In particular, I believe such controversies may intensify ahead of the upcoming presidential and local elections.

I will ensure that the prosecution, regardless of political, economic, or social status, performs its duties fairly and equitably in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and the same legal standards,

while also paying close attention to concrete justice in individual cases.

I will grant "autonomy and responsibility" to the front lines, so that members of the prosecution can perform their duties fairly in accordance with the law and principles.

I will establish fairness throughout the entire investigative process, from the initiation of investigations to their conclusion, not only in the results but also in every stage of the investigation.

To this end, I will further enhance the transparency of prosecutorial work by expanding the disclosure of investigation records and related information.

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Honorable Chairperson and distinguished members,

I am well aware that I have many shortcomings in leading the prosecution in these difficult times.

However, my determination to build a prosecution service that earns the public’s trust and my commitment to do my utmost for the people are stronger than anyone else’s.

No player is greater than the team.

If I work together with the members of the prosecution as "One Team," communicating and uniting our intentions, I am confident that we can build a fair prosecution service that earns the public’s trust.

If I am given the opportunity to serve the people as Prosecutor General, I will devote all my energy to building a "trustworthy and fair prosecution service" together with the members of the prosecution.

I believe today’s hearing is an opportunity not only to reflect on my past life, but also to receive the valuable guidance of the members-who represent the people-for the future of the prosecution.

I once again promise to answer your questions sincerely and to the best of my ability, and I ask for your affectionate advice and constructive criticism for the advancement of the prosecution.

Thank you.

May 26, 2021

Prosecutor General Nominee

Kim Oh-soo

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