Minister Jeong Seong-ho, the nominee for Minister of Justice, said during a National Assembly personnel hearing on the 16th that the title "pro-Lee Jae-myung chairperson" is "the most uncomfortable thing to hear."

Minister Jeong Seong-ho, a candidate for the Ministry of Justice, listens to questions from lawmakers during the confirmation hearing for the Minister of Justice held at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 16th. /Courtesy of News1

Kwak Kyu-taek, a member of the People Power Party, asked at the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee personnel hearing for nominee Jeong that morning at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, "What do you think of the title 'pro-Lee chairperson'?" In response, nominee Jeong said, "It is the most uncomfortable thing to hear," adding, "I have already said this on several broadcasts, but I dislike the term 'chairperson' itself, I have never played such a role, and I am not in such a position." He further stated, "I am undergoing a hearing as a nominee for Minister of Justice after being nominated by the president, but even if I am appointed, I will judge and act from the perspective of the people."

In response, Rep. Kwak said, "It seems that such a title has been attached due to your long relationship and friendship with President Lee Jae-myung and your role in the Democratic Party, but as Minister of Justice, the term 'pro-Lee chairperson' should not be attached anymore," stating, "The Minister of Justice is the highest official responsible for a nation's legal order, so political neutrality is of utmost importance."

Nominee Jeong also responded when Rep. Kwak asked, "It seems that there is a need for a statement of intent regarding the cases for which President Lee was indicted before taking office. What do you think?" by saying, "That was before I was nominated as a public office candidate," adding, "I have never been involved in political activities aligned with a specific faction throughout my political career. I think it is inappropriate for the Minister of Justice to issue directives regarding matters such as the dismissal of charges."

President Lee's trial regarding the violation of the Public Official Election Act, the Daejang-dong trial, and the trial concerning the misuse of corporate credit cards in Gyeonggi Province have been indefinitely postponed. The court cited "Article 84 of the Constitution" as the basis for the suspension of the trial. Article 84 of the Constitution stipulates that "the president shall not be subject to criminal prosecution during his tenure." However, there has been controversy over the unclear scope of prosecution.

In this regard, nominee Jeong said during a university lecture three days before receiving the nomination for Minister of Justice on June 26 that "the people chose President Lee knowing about the ongoing trials" and added, "I believe the dismissal of charges is appropriate."

Additionally, when Rep. Park Eun-jung of the Rebuilding Korea Party asked regarding "judicial reform," "Do you think that prosecutors in the Public Prosecutor's Office should have supplementary investigative rights?" nominee Jeong replied, "I think there needs to be some discussion regarding that issue," and stated, "I do not yet have a clear position on this matter."

In response to Rep. Park's question about when the separation of investigation and prosecution will be completed, nominee Jeong said, "I hope to work swiftly by staying up all night 4 to 5 times a week, deliberating on each provision," and added, "Legislative discussions on this matter have exceeded 20 years, so it would be good to do it as soon as possible. If it is delayed, it could be confusing."

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