Justice minister submits resignation letter after passage of prosecution reform bill

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho tendered his resignation letter to Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday, according to sources. The resignation letter was also submitted to the Ministry of Personnel Management. Jung cited health issues, as well as the recent passage of legislation concerning the stripping of the prosecution's investigative authority, as reasons for his resignation.

The minister expressed the belief that the new criminal justice system should be fully implemented under the guidance of fresh leadership, sources reported. Previously, Jung had voiced concerns about the revision to the Criminal Procedure Act, which removed the prosecution's capacity to carry out supplementary investigations when police inquiries lacked sufficient evidence, leaving it primarily with the right to bring charges.

Shortly after the bill's approval, Jung informed reporters that the new system might necessitate additional revisions if it adversely affects crime victims or fails to adequately protect their interests. Jung had earlier indicated his intention to resign, a decision reportedly met with discouragement, if not outright rejection, by President Lee Jae Myung.