Park Beom-gye: "I intend to hold on to Kim Oh-soo's resignation letter for a while"

On the morning of the 18th, Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, is arriving at the Ministry of Justice Government Complex in Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Regarding the resignation of Prosecutor General Kim Osu in protest against the so-called 'complete prosecution reform' bill by the Democratic Party of Korea, Minister of Justice Park Beomgye stated, "There is little meaning in delivering (the resignation letter) to the Blue House," adding, "I intend to keep it for now."

On the morning of the 18th, Minister Park made these remarks to reporters as he arrived at the Ministry of Justice Government Gwacheon Complex. Originally, Prosecutor General Kim was scheduled to appear before the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee that day to explain the unfairness of the complete prosecution reform bill, but he suddenly resigned the day before.

When asked, "When did you receive Prosecutor General Kim's resignation letter?" Minister Park said, "It was announced yesterday, but I received it before that," adding, "I find it difficult to specify the exact date."

Minister Park clarified that there was no prior coordination with Prosecutor General Kim. He added, "In the relationship between the Minister of Justice and the prosecution, would I be the one to coordinate now?" and "I understand Prosecutor General Kim's anguish well. Especially since today was the day he was to appear before the Judiciary Committee, I fully understand the anguish of publicly submitting the resignation on the holiday before."

When asked whether the resignation letter had been delivered to the Blue House, he explained, "I intend to keep it for now." He added, "The resignation was made public yesterday, and the Blue House is aware of it. I think delivering it holds little significance," adding, "There are many matters ahead."

Minister Park said, "I fully understand the political neutrality that Prosecutor General Kim has emphasized since his inauguration, and I was able to confirm this point during our conversation yesterday," referring to the phone call with Prosecutor General Kim the previous day.

Regarding Prosecutor General Kim's request for a meeting with President Moon Jaein, Minister Park said, "The President has not refused the request," but added, "The atmosphere at the Blue House is 'Let's wait a little regardless,' as far as I know. I do not know the President's direct intention."

In response to some criticisms that the complete prosecution reform bill violates the Constitution by specifying prosecutors' authority to request warrants, he explained, "Article 12 of the Constitution concerning personal liberty and the appointment of the Prosecutor General are matters deliberated by the State Council," adding, "I mentioned these two provisions at the Judiciary Committee, and I ask that you understand it that way."

Regarding internal opposition within the prosecution, such as the emergency nationwide meeting of high prosecutors held that day and the nationwide meeting of ordinary prosecutors scheduled for the 19th, Minister Park emphasized, "In difficult times, wouldn't it be more persuasive if anyone emphasizes duties and responsibilities while trying to protect their authority?" He added, "Responsibility comes first now, whether demanding or maintaining authority. The order has been reversed."

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