Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok: "Truth is the Best Defense Against False Claims and Defamation"

Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok urged the prosecution organization on the 31st to "keep in mind that the best defense against false claims and slander is 'truth.'"

Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok Photo by Supreme Prosecutors' Office

At the monthly meeting that day, Prosecutor General Lee said, "It is said that we live in an era where 'people only see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear,' but we must not be swept away by this. We must calmly and courageously do what needs to be done properly," emphasizing, "Instead of rampant claims, we must adhere to principles and procedures, seek 'facts' solely based on evidence and legal reasoning, reveal the 'truth,' and show the results."

He added, "When the prosecution, which works only with evidence and legal reasoning, encounters false claims or distorted criticism without grounds based solely on advantage or disadvantage, the pain is indescribable," and said, "Truth has the power to reveal itself, and that power is so strong that no matter how much one tries to cover it up or how much time passes, the true nature will inevitably be revealed."

Furthermore, he said, "The battleground for prosecutors is the courtroom," and stated, "Over the past year, we have strengthened trial capabilities and made great efforts toward proper sentencing. As a result, the first trial acquittal rate in the first half of this year (0.91% → 0.84%), the second trial acquittal rate (1.47% → 1.35%), and the acquittal rate in citizen participation trials (42.1% → 10.9%) have significantly decreased. This is the fruit of efforts not only in trials but also in judicial oversight and the entire investigation process."

He continued, "Although we have achieved the result of reducing the total number of acquittals, sentencing issues are equally important to protect victims' rights and ensure community safety. I hope more efforts will be made to listen to and reflect the voices of victims," he added.

Regarding recent violent crimes such as a series of stabbing rampages, he said, "Protecting the basic rights of the people, especially the safety of life and body, is the prosecution's top priority," and stated, "I hope that all available resources will be mobilized and strict responses will be made to crimes that threaten everyday safety to defend society and prevent crime."

On the revision of the prosecution-police investigation guidelines, he explained, "Even in the face of criticism such as investigation delays, passing cases around, and unclear responsibility after the adjustment of investigative authority, we cannot leave the system unattended," adding, "This revision aims for the prosecution and police to efficiently share investigations, promptly handle cases to prevent gaps in crime response, and protect the rights and interests of the people."

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