Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye: "Kim Oh-soo, Prosecutor General's Resignation Will Be Sent to Cheongwadae Today"

by Kim HyeongMin

Published 25 Apr.2022 16:04(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 25th, Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, announced that he would soon send Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo's resignation letter to the Blue House to "ask for the President's intention."

Minister Park made this statement to reporters on his way into the Ministry of Justice Gwacheon Government Complex in the afternoon.

Earlier, Prosecutor General Kim, along with six high prosecutors and other prosecution leadership, collectively submitted their resignations in protest against the agreement on the mediation plan for the 'Complete Removal of Prosecution's Investigation Rights' (Geomsu Wanbak) bill.

However, regarding the acceptance of the six high prosecutors' resignations, Minister Park said, "There must be no gap in prosecution work," adding, "I will review it, but it does not seem to be a matter to decide today."

When asked if the Ministry of Justice has a response plan regarding the mediation proposal, Minister Park was reserved, saying, "Currently, it seems to be 'the time of the National Assembly'." However, he added, "Since there must be a process of drafting regardless of which side, I may express some opinions related to the concepts of 'unity and consistency.'"

Minister Park reiterated his stance that it is more important for the prosecution to prepare measures to ensure the fairness of investigations rather than opposing the mediation plan. He said, "I hope the members of the prosecution consider that it is also 'the time of the prosecution' now. From the beginning, I have emphasized the issue of fairness in investigations," highlighting the importance of securing public trust.

Regarding the recent incidents where inmates in correctional facilities have repeatedly attempted extreme self-harm, Minister Park said, "Regardless of the reasons, it is a very regrettable matter to the public," and added, "I intend to examine it more deeply from the perspective of responsible administration."