(LEAD) Justice minister submits resignation letter after passage of prosecution reform bill

On Tuesday, Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho submitted his resignation letter to Cheong Wa Dae, according to sources. The minister cited the recent passage of legislation concerning the stripping of the prosecution's investigative authority as the reason for his decision, sources reported. In addition to the legislation, Jung also mentioned health issues as contributing factors to his resignation, according to the sources.

Jung had previously expressed concerns about the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act, which had taken away the prosecution's right to conduct supplementary investigations if police investigations were deemed inadequate. This left the prosecution with only the ability to indict, Jung told reporters shortly after the bill passed.

He had also mentioned that the new system could potentially require further revisions if it led to further harm or inadequate protection for crime victims. Jung's intention to resign had reportedly been discouraged, if not rejected, by President Lee Jae Myung.