Park Chan-woon, a Hanyang University law professor and former head of the prosecution reform advisory committee, stated that the ongoing prosecution reform effort has entered a self-righteous phase. He emphasized the need to promptly organize the prosecution’s supplementary investigation documents.
Recent Statements on Facebook
In a recent Facebook post titled ‘Prosecution Justice, and the Tasks Ahead,’ Park highlighted the passage of a public official bill through the National Assembly on March 20. He urged a shift in public perception, noting, “Even those who believe prosecution reform is complete must recognize this isn’t the case.” He added that numerous victims continue to suffer due to inadequate implementation.
Park described the most regrettable aspect as the bill’s failure to address the president’s direct involvement in supplementary investigations. “Even if the government and ruling party created new laws, that law must face constitutional review and revision for true accountability. This is the bill’s core form,” he said. Despite this, he pointed out that attitudes from both sides remain unchanged even after June of last year.
Calls for Comprehensive Resolution
Park stressed that prosecution reform’s central pillar—ensuring proper oversight and connectivity—remains unaddressed. Even under the bill’s framework, supplementary investigation documents require immediate organization. “How the prosecution asserts self-righteousness invites government influence, and changes in prosecutorial direction are inevitable,” he asserted. He linked the president’s personnel decisions directly to these issues.
He also demanded a full response to the probe into the president’s supplementary investigation powers. “Without a proper overall leader, sustaining the national momentum from prosecution reform becomes impossible,” Park warned. “Real power lies in comprehensive oversight and supplementary probes.”
While some cases have progressed beyond initial scrutiny, contention persists over the president’s personal supplementary powers. Park noted that special investigations into prosecutors’ direct authority were sacrificed in the public official bill. “Over 20,000 signatures from key areas seek realistic change, yet lacking comprehensive measures makes any formal system deeply concerning,” he said. Creating special clauses would only heighten the need for supplementary probes.
The National Police Agency’s prosecution reform leader connects to major power dynamics, including citizen torch relays, facing mounting pressures. Park provided further responses during interviews on March 9.
