Jeong Cheongrae to Hold Emergency Press Conference on Prosecution Reform... Expected to Reveal Party-Government Coordination Details

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, will hold an emergency press conference on March 17 regarding prosecution reform. Jeong is expected to clarify his position concerning the controversy over the prosecution reform bill that has arisen both within and outside the party.

According to political sources, there have been internal disagreements within the party over the prosecution reform proposal based on the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Act and the Prosecution Service Act, but it appears these issues will soon be resolved. Earlier, in January of this year, the government pre-announced the legislation for the Prosecution Service Act and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Act, but opposition within the party led to a revised bill being prepared. In relation to this, the Democratic Party held a general assembly of its members on February 22 and adopted the government's revised bill as the party line. Subsequently, the government passed the bill through the cabinet meeting and submitted it to the National Assembly, but Cho Mi-ae, chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and Kim Yongmin, a hardliner within the committee, demanded extensive amendments.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on March 16, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Regarding the internal conflicts over prosecution reform, Jeong has emphasized the need for "intense, close, and calm internal discussions," highlighting the importance of careful coordination within the party. The upcoming press conference is expected to outline the party's position on the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Act and the Prosecution Service Act ahead of the National Assembly plenary session scheduled for March 19.

Earlier on the same day, President Lee Jaemyung stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that "the government-party consultative proposal, created through discussions between the government and the party, can be revised ten times if necessary, as long as it is within the scope required to exclude the prosecution from investigations." He also announced, "I have instructed the government to delete provisions in the consultative proposal that involve command over the special judicial police or that allow administrative prosecutors to intervene in investigations." This suggests a limited acceptance of concerns raised by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and others.

However, President Lee also emphasized, "The separation of investigation and indictment, as well as excluding the prosecution from investigations, are clear administrative goals that will be pursued firmly," adding, "Nevertheless, any unnecessary excesses that might hinder reform for whatever reason should be avoided."

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