Minister of Justice Jeong Sung-ho expresses his resignation... Announces intention to return to National Assembly

Regarding his submission of resignation on the 18th, Justice Minister Jeong Sung-ho said, "There will be more work to do in the National Assembly to quickly correct problems that emerged in the process of party integration or criminal procedure law revision."

On his way home from work in front of the Ministry of Justice at the Gwacheon Government Complex on this day, Minister Jeong said, "The revised criminal prosecution law has also been passed, and unlike the Serious Crime Investigation Office, the launch of the Public Prosecution Office is only about putting up a sign, so my role is not that big."

He said, “I have already expressed my intention to resign a long time ago and hope that it will be processed quickly. Only then will the Ministry of Justice be able to proceed with its daily work centered on the Vice Minister.”

Minister Chung also announced his submission of resignation through Facebook this afternoon and said, "I will return to the National Assembly and do my best for the success of the popular sovereign government and, furthermore, for the success of the Republic of Korea and its people."

He said, “Just as a government cannot survive without public support, reforms that do not win the hearts of the sovereign people are also difficult to sustain,” and that the success of prosecution reform depends on the sympathy and trust of members of society.

He continued, “The National Assembly and the government are not the owners of the criminal justice system,” and emphasized, “Above all, we must not forget for a moment that they are in a position to take infinite responsibility for the lives of the people.”

He added, “I will also actively play my role in the National Assembly to prevent harm to the people.”

Earlier, Minister Chung submitted his resignation to the Blue House and the Ministry of Personnel Management this afternoon.

In his resignation letter, Minister Chung reportedly stated that he gave reasons for his health as well as the fact that “major legislation related to prosecution reform has been completed.”

Kang Yoo-jeong, chief spokesperson of the Blue House, said in a briefing, "Minister Jeong has requested to be dismissed for health reasons," and "Minister Jeong has faithfully performed his role in accordance with the public's demands."

He continued, “We asked you to fulfill your role until follow-up personnel actions are taken.”

Accordingly, Minister Jeong is expected to remain as minister until a cabinet reshuffle, including the appointment of a successor, is made and he will continue to take care of follow-up legislation for prosecution reform, including the supplementation of the Criminal Justice Act, and pending issues at the Ministry of Justice.

Minister Jeong has expressed his intention to resign from his position as minister several times.

At the general meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly on the 27th of last month, regarding his future, he said, "Since most of the prosecution reform has been completed, I personally think that new wine should be put in a new bag."

At the time, the Blue House drew a line, saying, "This is not an expression of resignation," and at a closed cabinet meeting on the 4th, it was interpreted that President Lee told Minister Chung, "Do well and hold on well," effectively dissuading him from resigning.