Former South Korean Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho departed his post on the 26th, stating that any potential dismissal of indictments concerning President Lee Jae-myung’s cases remains a matter for prosecutors to determine if procedures violated the law. Chung stepped down after approximately one year and one month in office, following an event held at the Government Complex Gwacheon, according to local news reports.
Departure and Stance on Indictment Reviews
Addressing reporters after his final official event, Chung clarified that his departure had no connection to discussions surrounding the cancellation of indictments linked to President Lee. According to Chung, the authority to drop charges does not rest with the Ministry of Justice. Instead, he noted that the National Assembly is currently discussing the potential introduction of a special counsel, while prosecutors are internally evaluating past investigative practices during transitions toward an investigation office for major crimes and a prosecution agency.
Chung pointed to ongoing evaluations by the Ministry of Justice’s Future Committee, which is reviewing past investigations. When asked if those reviews specifically targeted cases involving President Lee, Chung stated that multiple investigations conducted under the Yoon Suk Yeol government exhibited significant flaws. Parliamentary audits previously brought to light instances of aggressive investigative methods, which Chung described as the target of current administrative cleanup efforts. He emphasized that the Future Committee’s scope encompasses those files collectively rather than serving any single individual.
Preparing for Criminal Justice Reforms
Ahead of structural changes slated for October involving the dismantling of the prosecution service and the implementation of revised criminal procedure laws, Chung addressed widespread legal and institutional concerns. According to statements made during his farewell address, legislative revisions passed by the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee have triggered public and professional anxiety.
Chung urged justice ministry personnel to identify and rectify foreseeable administrative vulnerabilities before the changes take effect rather than waiting to address shortcomings post-implementation. He underscored that the primary objective of any judicial reform must remain the protection of citizens’ daily lives and the enforcement of fair legal procedures to prevent wrongful harm.