President Moon to Kim Oh-soo in Meeting: "Reforms Must Serve the People... Keep Your Term" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 18th, President Moon Jae-in emphasized the prosecution's efforts for "reform and self-purification," stating, "Reform must be for the people, regardless of the positions of the prosecution and police."

That afternoon, President Moon met with Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo and said, "The legislature should do the same," expressing this view.

This underscored the necessity of prosecutorial reform and related legislation, sending a message to support the National Assembly's push for 'Geomsu Wanbak' (complete removal of the prosecution's investigative authority) while also urging attention to public opinion.

President Moon had a 70-minute meeting with Prosecutor General Kim, during which he urged Kim to fulfill his term and duties, noting that he bears no responsibility for the current situation.

President Moon said, "Please do your best until the end so that the prosecution organization does not waver," adding, "It is important that opinions within the prosecution are expressed in an orderly manner, and that the Prosecutor General, respecting the authority of the National Assembly, directly submits opinions on behalf of the prosecutors."

He continued, "Do not think it is useless; especially at times like this, the Prosecutor General must maintain balance, which is also the reason for the fixed term," urging Kim to keep his position. Earlier that morning, President Moon had rejected Kim's resignation.

During the meeting, Prosecutor General Kim explained his concerns about the contents of the bill to President Moon and proposed alternatives.

In response, President Moon said, "It is true that the public trusts the prosecution's investigative capabilities, but it is also an undeniable reality that they doubt the fairness of investigations," emphasizing the need for reform by stating, "Compulsory investigation and prosecution are the strongest powers held by the state, and therefore victims or suspects inevitably question their fairness."

He added, "Looking at past history, it cannot be said that prosecutorial investigations have always been fair, which is why the need for legalization and institutionalization arises," and said, "The prosecution must also continuously pursue self-reform and self-purification efforts."

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