Even After Abolishing Prosecutors’ Supplementary Investigation Authority, Jung Cheong-rae Says It Is Not Yet "100% Complete," Reigniting Debate

[Financial News] As the bill to abolish prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority cleared the National Assembly, some are saying that the rationale Jung Cheong-rae had used to rally support has disappeared. In response, Jung has moved to regain momentum by arguing that prosecution reform is not yet complete. He did so by bringing together Jung-aligned Supreme Council candidates, hardliners from the Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), and staunch party members, while presenting follow-up tasks such as protecting socially vulnerable groups and assigning personnel to the Public Prosecution Office.
Although the bill to abolish prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority was passed in a plenary session of the National Assembly on the 31st, concerns about side effects remain. The DPK plans to prepare countermeasures before the Public Prosecution Office and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency launch on Oct. 2. It is expected to begin discussions on follow-up legislation during the extraordinary session of the National Assembly in August, including a full-transfer rule for seven major crimes involving sexual offenses and child abuse.
Jung held a forum titled "Measures to Strengthen Victims’ Rights After the Abolition of Prosecutors’ Investigative Powers" at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that day and laid out follow-up tasks. He stressed, "Today’s prosecution reform is not 100% complete," adding, "We will push ahead more strongly so that the unfinished parts meet the public’s expectations." The remarks appeared aimed at reinforcing the reform cause that had been his main source of momentum.
Song Young-gil, a pro-Lee Jae Myung candidate for party leadership, also said that with the passage of the one-person, one-vote rule and the abolition of prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority, "it can no longer be used as a political slogan for the party convention," and said he would press the issue at a TV debate scheduled for next month on the 5th.
After the event, Jung told reporters, "Strong reform always faces strong resistance," adding, "There may be attempts to roll back the system by making various excuses and leaving investigators in the Public Prosecution Office. We must continue to monitor whether the law is being properly applied on the ground."
To regain momentum, Jung brought together hardline lawmakers from the pro-Jung camp and the RKP, along with staunch supporters, for the forum. During the event, one attendee who opposed abolishing prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority shouted, "Prepare measures to prevent secondary harm to victims caused by the abolition of prosecutors’ investigative powers." Jung first listened to the person’s remarks and then continued with his congratulatory speech, drawing cheers from supporters.

[email protected] Song Ji-won Reporter