|
View larger picture |
|
| ▲ New Justice Minister Park Beom-gye is visiting the Seoul Eastern Detention Center on the morning of January 28, the first day of his inauguration. | |
| Ⓒ Joint coverage photo |
View related photos |
|
View larger picture |
|
| ▲ Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol leaves the government’s Gwacheon Office of Justice after finishing the prevention of the new Justice Minister Park Beom-gye on the morning of the 1st. | |
| Ⓒ Yonhap News |
View related photos |
The inauguration address of the new Justice Minister Park Bum-gye on the 1st was focused on the keyword’prosecution reform’ from the beginning to the end. Minister Park opened his inauguration address and said, “Now I am going to take over and fulfill the people’s prosecution reform order,” he said, “I feel a heavy sense of responsibility.”
It was reported that Park had previously met with Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol at 9:30 am. The Ministry of Justice said that it is not scheduled to hear about personnel affairs, but as there are high-ranking prosecutors at the beginning of this month, attention is focused on whether Minister Park and General Yoon exchanged discussions.
Minister Park emphasized’communication’ in his inauguration address. It seems to be a message in mind of the conflict between former Minister Choo Mi-ae and President Yoon. Minister Park suggested, “Let’s talk openly and openly with each other at any time,” he said. In particular, while reading his inauguration address, Minister Park said, “Today I met with Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol directly” that was not in the manuscript.
The message to the prosecution focused on the request. Minister Park emphasized’procedural justice’ and ordered’exercise prosecution rights that all the people can understand’, saying, “Morrogah should say goodbye to the old notion that only Seoul needs to be visited.”
In addition, it also predicted reorganization due to changes in prosecution powers, such as adjusting the power of prosecutors’ investigation. Minister Park said, “(Prosecutors) must reinforce their role as judicial control officers to control illegal investigations. Now, the prosecution must do its best to protect the human rights of the people and respond to various crimes through mutual cooperation with the police. “He emphasized.
The following is the full text of Park’s inauguration address.
Ⅰ
Dear Legal Family! nice to meet you. I would like to express my gratitude to all of the legal families who have silently fulfilled their duties despite difficult conditions. I also salute the Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae, who led the Ministry of Justice with all of his passion and dedication. Now, I am going to take over and fulfill the people’s orders for reform of the prosecution. I feel a heavy sense of responsibility. We are very happy and honored to take a new path with you.
Ⅱ
Dear legal family! Now, the Korean people are working through the crisis by uniting their strength in difficult internal and external situations such as Corona 19. The Ministry of Justice should focus on’legal administration that supports the lives of the people’ so that the Republic of Korea can overcome the crisis. As the general manager of the legal administration, I will work hard to create a Republic of Korea where the’justice of coexistence’ flows like a river according to the spirit of the times that the people want. It’s a difficult and difficult road, but with all of you, you’ll be able to do it.
Ⅲ
Dear Legal Family! In order for sustainable justice to take root in this land, we need’justice of coexistence’. It means justice that all members of our society can sympathize with and accept. The definition of coexistence can be realized through human rights protection, due process, and communication.
First, it is human rights protection. ‘Recognizing the natural dignity of all human beings and their equal and inalienable rights is the foundation of the world’s freedom, justice and peace’ In 1948, the harsh world gathered together to proclaim the dignity of human rights. Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea stipulates that’the state shall be obligated to ascertain and guarantee the basic human rights of an individual inviolable.’
Human rights are the highest values that our society must uphold. I used to ask the Justice Department several times in the National Assembly. I want to ask again at this place. “Aren’t you proud that the legal affairs and the prosecution are at the forefront in ensuring and protecting human rights?” Let’s break free from old practices and stereotypes. Let’s think about what if I were the one being investigated, what if I were the one who was being held. We urge you to do your best to enforce human rights-friendly laws and improve systems with the attitude of being a reverse governor. In particular, we must strive to guarantee the rights of women, children, and the disabled to prevent disadvantage.
The reform of the prosecution can also be completed only when our prosecutors faithfully fulfill their original mission as the people’s human rights protection officers.
Second, it is a procedural definition. This means not only complying with the procedures stipulated by the law, but also including the exercise of the prosecution’s right that all citizens can understand. Now, we have to say goodbye to the old notion that’you only need to go to Seoul even if you go to Moro.’ In the case of law enforcement involving coercion, such as the prosecution investigation, it must be exercised in a strict manner based on public sympathy and trust, but promptly, in accordance with reasonable and fair standards. The sword (劍) hurts people, but it also saves people. Let’s walk together on the path of a bow-in who saves people through the exercise of restrained and correct prosecution rights.
Third, communication. The law is cool, but it must be warm. The law is high, but it should be low. It should become a legal administration where the people who are consumers of legal administration can sympathize and be satisfied. It is necessary to always listen to the voices of the people and innovate the entire legal administration so that the people can use them comfortably.
The ministerial work started at the site of the Dongbu Detention Center. In the future, it will be the site where I finish my work. Let’s reflect on the old truth that seeing is seeing. I will not be trapped in the text and text. I will go to the field and visit the people who appeal to the law.
We will also meet with members of our legal affairs and prosecutors in person at any time. You won’t have to keep the main door open and lock the secretary’s door. Let’s talk with each other anytime, openly.
Ⅳ
Dear Legal Family! We are just taking a step toward reforming the prosecution, which is the order of the people. We need to refine and develop the reform tasks of power institutions. The prosecution must promptly take follow-up measures following the enforcement of the Investigation Rights Reform Act. The role of judicial officers controlling illegal investigations should be reinforced dramatically.
In line with that, the prosecution organization must also be reorganized. When we need to change, we must change ourselves as the subject. Now, the prosecution must do its best to respond to various crimes as well as protect the human rights of the people through mutual cooperation with the police.
In addition, organic cooperation with the high-ranking officials criminal investigation office must be carried out based on checks and balances. Institutional changes should not result in confusion and regression in investigations, but rather in strengthening the capacity to investigate national crimes.
Ⅳ
Dear Legal Family! There are many citizens suffering great difficulties due to the corona 19 that has continued since last year. It is necessary to quickly improve and implement laws and systems to protect the residential stability of the common people and revitalize the common people’s economy. It is necessary to look carefully to ensure that social security discrimination does not occur according to various types of families such as single-person households, single parents, and multicultural families. Special measures are also needed to protect children, the future value of our society.
I hope that all members of our society can feel the warmth of the law. I will also communicate and support as much as possible so that all legal and prosecutors’ families can work happily and rewardingly. It will be a support that you can lean on when it is difficult. Please make me countless milestones to help me get the job done.
I am sincerely happy and excited to meet you. In the future, let’s move forward and build joyful memories. Thank you.
February 1, 2021
Minister of Justice Park Bum-gye