Cheon Daeyeop, Director of the Court Administration Office, "Investigation Authority on Treason Should Be Settled Through Trials"

Prosecutors Respond to Inquiry on Treason Investigation Authority: "There Is Room for Controversy"

Yonhap News

Cheon Dae-yeop, Chief of the Court Administration Office (Supreme Court Justice), stated that the investigation authority for the charge of treason related to the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident' should ultimately be resolved through court trials.

On the same day, Cheon appeared at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, responding to a question from Jo Bae-sook of the People Power Party. Jo asked whether the court's issuance of an arrest warrant for former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun by the prosecution implied that the court recognized the prosecution's investigative authority. Cheon replied accordingly.

Cheon said, "I have previously mentioned that there is much controversy regarding that matter," adding, "Ultimately, it is an issue that should be settled through precedent." He continued, "If it reaches that stage, there is concern that serious disruptions could occur in significant trials even after the fact, so we are considering and reviewing this matter."

Earlier, on the 9th, Cheon appeared at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session and stated, "There is considerable internal debate about whether the prosecution legally holds investigative authority, especially regarding the interpretation of the Prosecutors' Office Act following the adjustment of investigative authority between the police and prosecution."

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