Kim Osu: "Complete Prosecution Reform Violates Constitution... Will Stop It with a Do-or-Die Determination" (Comprehensive)

Appeal to the National Assembly, President, and Constitutional Court
Current Chief Prosecutor's First Resignation Amid 'Backlash'
Possibility of Mass Resignations Among Frontline Prosecutors

The Democratic Party of Korea has adopted the so-called 'Complete Removal of Prosecution's Investigation Rights' (Geomsu Wanbak) as the party's official stance to be passed in the National Assembly within April. On the 13th, Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo made a statement. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo stated on the 13th that the Democratic Party's adoption of the party line for the "complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority" (검수완박, Geomsu Wanbak) legislation is "a direct violation of the Constitution," adding, "With a resolve of 'desperate effort leads to survival' (必死卽生), we will explore all procedures and measures and do our best to appeal and request (the repeal or reconsideration of the bill)."

As he arrived at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office that morning, Kim said, "The members of the prosecution, including myself, will never be discouraged or give up." From that day forward, Kim is expected to convey the prosecution's opinions to all related institutions involved, including the National Assembly where the legislation is underway, President Moon Jae-in who holds the power to promulgate and request reconsideration, and the Constitutional Court which judges whether the bill violates the Constitution. Essentially, the prosecution plans to wage an all-out battle to block the bill's passage by mobilizing all cards currently available, while simultaneously employing a dual strategy of appealing to public opinion and various sectors with both hard and soft approaches.

Kim is expected to first launch a comprehensive persuasion campaign targeting the National Assembly. In the case of the Democratic Party, he is known to meet with lawmakers who oppose or have concerns about the forced legislation to seek their assistance. He plans to actively request help from the People Power Party and the Justice Party to block the bill and support filibusters. Given that Kim has built extensive political connections through his previous role as Deputy Minister of Justice, it is also anticipated that he will leverage these networks this time.

Since Kim has already stated that he "will not cling to his position," he may also meet with President Moon to propose exercising the veto power over the bill. According to Article 53 of the Constitution, the president may exercise veto power within 15 days if there is an objection to a bill transmitted from the National Assembly. Some speculate that President Moon is likely to accept Kim's proposal, as he may feel reluctant to directly promulgate this highly contentious bill at a Cabinet meeting with his term nearing its end.

Additionally, Kim is reportedly considering filing a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court. He is also expected to focus on strengthening internal unity within the prosecution. Kim plans to visit the funeral hall of Prosecutor Lee from the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, who died by suicide the previous day, to pay his respects. He has also instructed senior prosecutors to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances. Kim is known to be urging frontline prosecutors who criticize and express dissatisfaction with the 검수완박 legislation to exercise restraint to prevent escalation.

However, the possibility of a mass resignation of prosecutors cannot be ruled out. On the same day, Lee Bok-hyun, Chief Prosecutor of the Criminal Division 2 at the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office (age 50, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 32), expressed his intention to resign in protest against the 검수완박 bill. Lee posted a message titled "Resignation Greeting" on the prosecution's internal network, stating, "If 검수완박 is realized, the likelihood of investigative agencies winning investigations against large conglomerates and financial powers over a long period will be extremely low."

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