Kim Osu: "Lee Seongyun's Job Exclusion? Will Give Appropriate Opinion Upon Appointment"

Prosecutor General nominee Kim Osu is delivering opening remarks at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Kim Oh-soo, the nominee for Prosecutor General, responded to the demand for the suspension of Lee Sung-yoon, the Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, who was indicted for involvement in the illegal travel ban of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui, by saying, "I have not been able to examine the case in detail," and "I will provide appropriate opinions once I take office."

Kim stated this during the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly main building on the 26th.

Regarding the Ministry of Justice's prosecution organization reform plan that limits direct investigations by the prosecution's criminal division, he also said, "Once I take office, I will receive reports, review the contents, and actively express my opinions."

On the complete separation of prosecution investigation and indictment, he answered, "That direction is correct, but first it is important to stabilize the great transformation."

He added, "While working as a lawyer, I felt that it was somewhat problematic for the investigator to also handle the indictment, but that was before the criminal justice system underwent a great transformation."

Regarding criticism that his past remarks advocating for the expansion of direct investigations by high prosecutors' offices do not align with the current administration's policy of reducing direct investigations, he emphasized, "The investigation by the high prosecutors' office is the third stage of investigation following the first stage by the police and the second stage by the district prosecutors' office," and "This is possible even under the current system."

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