Justice Minister nominee cites nat'l consensus for prosecution reform
Justice Minister nominee Jung Sung-ho, center, answers questions from reporters on his way to his office in Seoul, July 1. Yonhap
Justice Minister nominee Jung Sung-ho said Tuesday that he does not expect much resistance among prosecutors to the government's prosecution reform drive calling for separating its investigation and indictment functions.
"I think there is a certain level of national consensus on the issue of separating the (prosecution's) investigation and indictment functions and redistributing powers concentrated in the prosecution," Jung told reporters on his way to his office.
"There seems to be a lot of public anticipation for changes in the prosecution system that has caused anxiety among the people," he said.
But Jung said it is not appropriate to mention such an expression as the disbanding of the prosecution and the upcoming reform should be in line with the people's expectations.
He then stressed that the prosecution reform is an issue that must be decided through legislation, bipartisan agreement and sufficient consultations within the National Assembly.
"I don't think there will be any opposition within the prosecution (regarding its reform plan)," the nominee said. "Except for a very small number of politically biased prosecutors, most have a sense of responsibility and pride in serving the people."