Im Gwanhyeok Appointed Chief Prosecutor of Seoul High Prosecutors' Office: "Cases Must Be Handled Swiftly"

Passed the 36th Judicial Examination
Former Chief Prosecutor of Seoul Eastern District Office and Others

Im Gwan-hyeok (58, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 26), Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, took office on the 16th.

At the inauguration ceremony held at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Im said, "Due to amendments to the criminal law and adjustments to the investigative authority between the prosecution and police, case processing is significantly delayed compared to the past," adding, "Let us consider ways to handle both complaint and accusation cases, as well as ex officio cases, quickly and efficiently."

He then quoted the legal maxim, "Justice delayed is justice denied," emphasizing, "The pain suffered by parties involved in cases due to delays in case processing goes without saying, and during this process, various physical and human evidence may deteriorate or be concealed, causing the truth of the case to be buried or distorted."

Im Gwan-hyeok, Chief Prosecutor of Seoul High Prosecutors' Office
[Photo by Seoul High Prosecutors' Office]

Im stated, "Recently, related laws have been amended several times, and many problems have arisen because new systems have not been properly established," urging, "The prosecution must adhere to laws and principles, devote care to each case, and perform duties as efficiently as possible according to the changed conditions."

He also said, "Rather than creating new tasks, it may be more important to eliminate unreasonable or unnecessary tasks among existing duties," adding, "Please work on revising laws and guidelines to eliminate malpractices or improve work efficiency, and improve methods of performing duties."

Im, who is from Daejeon, graduated from Bomun High School and Seoul National University with a degree in Sociology.

He passed the 36th Judicial Examination and began his career as a prosecutor at the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office. He served as Chief of the 5th Criminal Division at the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office, Chief of the 2nd and 1st Special Divisions at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Chief of the Cheonan Branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office, Head of the Sewol Ferry Disaster Special Investigation Unit at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office.

He was promoted to Chief Prosecutor of the Daejeon High Prosecutors' Office in September last year and recently transferred to the position of Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in the latest personnel reshuffle.

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