Kim Seung-won, the nominee for justice minister, said on the 12th that he would "thoroughly direct and supervise the prosecution so that it can carry out its duties fairly while maintaining political neutrality, in accordance with laws and regulations," referring to criminal cases involving President Lee Jae-myung.
Kim made the comment in written answers submitted to Joo Jin-woo, a People Power Party lawmaker on the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Joo had asked whether the nominee, if appointed minister, would instruct the Justice Ministry or the prosecution to review whether to withdraw the indictments in criminal cases involving Lee.
Kim previously served as co-head of a group that called for the withdrawal of the indictments against Lee. Asked whether he would recuse himself from duties involving the withdrawal of indictments, investigative directives or case reports related to Lee, Kim said he would "distinguish between political activity as a National Assembly member and the duties of a minister." He added that he would ensure his past positions do not affect case handling or personnel decisions, and that he would determine whether recusal or other measures were necessary in line with the relevant laws.
On the full abolition of prosecutors' direct investigation powers, Kim said his position had not changed. "To completely separate investigation from prosecution and to remain faithful to the prosecution's core role of filing and maintaining indictments, it is justified to fully abolish prosecutors' direct investigation powers," he said.
Asked about his stance on scrapping the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers, Kim said he would "make every effort on follow-up steps such as overhauling the relevant laws, and concentrate all capabilities on cooperating actively with related agencies so that the new criminal justice system can take root."
