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Justice Minister nominee Jung Sung-ho speaks to reporters as he arrives at his confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno District, Seoul, on July 1. / Source: Yonhap News

Jung Sung-ho, nominee for Minister of Justice, emphasized on July 1 that prosecutorial reform must align with the expectations of the public, as debate over ruling party-led reform legislation intensifies.

Speaking to reporters outside his confirmation hearing preparation office in Sajik-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, Jung said, “I believe there’s broad public consensus on the need to redistribute the power currently concentrated in the prosecution. Ultimately, this matter should be resolved through bipartisan agreement in the National Assembly after gathering input from relevant stakeholders.”

He added, “Talk of dismantling the prosecution is not appropriate. What we need is a reform of the judicial system that reflects the public’s perspective.”

When asked how he plans to engage with prosecutors on the reform, Jung responded, “I believe prosecutors are well aware of the changing public demands, and I don’t think any of them fundamentally oppose the direction of reform.”

On the question of whether prosecutorial reform should be expedited, Jung remained cautious, saying it is an issue that requires thorough deliberation in the National Assembly. “Reform-related legislation must be carefully discussed by lawmakers in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and the opinions of all stakeholders should be taken into account,” he said. “There may be differing views on whether the process should move quickly or slowly, but I believe it will be fully debated in parliament.”