Prosecutor General Expresses Concern Over 'External Recruitment of Chief Prosecutors'... Park Beom-gye Calls for a Shift in Perception

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] When Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo expressed opposition to the external recruitment of the head prosecutor for major accident investigations, Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye said, "A shift in perception is necessary."

On the 20th, Minister Park met with reporters at the Government Complex Gwacheon and said, "I think the Prosecutor General can say such things. We will consider it," conveying this stance.

Earlier, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office sent a statement to all high and district prosecutors' offices nationwide the day before, informing the Ministry of Justice of Prosecutor General Kim's opinion that it is difficult to accept the Ministry's external recruitment procedure for the head prosecutor position. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office cited reasons for opposition including potential violations of personnel-related laws, concerns over infringement on the political neutrality and independence of the prosecution, and the possibility of lowered morale among internal prosecution members.

However, Minister Park said on the same day, "I fully understand the concerns and worries," but added, "I believe you will understand the need for a professional response and approach to major accidents." Regarding internal concerns within the prosecution about a lack of investigative expertise, he emphasized, "Approaching this issue solely with investigative expertise cannot prevent major accidents," and stressed, "A completely new concept, a shift in perception, and new measures are necessary."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice is taking steps to strengthen the response capability to major accidents by appointing individuals with expertise in the labor field to head prosecutor-level positions through external recruitment. Since the 17th, they have announced the '2022 Prosecutor Appointment Application Guide' and are accepting applications until the 21st.

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