Jeong Seong-ho Justice "Refrain from Excessive Investigation of Corporations and Public Officials"

[Financial News] Minister of Justice Jeong Seong-ho instructed the prosecution on the 29th to refrain from excessive investigations when conducting investigations related to the decision-making of public officials and businesspeople, and to promptly close cases if there are no charges. This is interpreted as a measure to address concerns about the deepening contraction of public duties and corporate activities due to prosecution.   
According to the Ministry of Justice, Minister Jeong delivered a directive to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office on this day, outlining 'Guidelines for Investigation and Handling of Cases Related to Decision-Making in the Course of Public Duty and Corporate Activities.'
Minister Jeong instructed, "Listen carefully to the statements of those involved in the case, such as public officials and businesspeople, and carefully judge the related evidence and legal principles in light of accumulated precedents."
He also emphasized, "If it is clear that a case does not constitute a crime based solely on investigation clues such as accusations, promptly close the case," and "Please ensure that active and responsible decision-making in the course of public duty and corporate activities is fully guaranteed."
This directive stems from the awareness of the problem that policy judgments made in the course of public duty or strategic decisions at the level of corporate management are being investigated and prosecuted as abuse of authority or breach of trust after the fact, leading to a deepening of risk-avoidance phenomena among public officials and businesspeople, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Excessive investigations may lead to public officials being passive in administration, making it difficult to pursue creative work for the people, and may also shrink corporate management activities.
Previously, the presidential office also announced on the 24th that it would work with the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice to promote amendments to related laws, stating that investigations into abuse of authority are hindering active administration.




kyu0705@fnnews.com Kim Dong-kyu Reporter