With the Public Prosecutions Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office set to launch in October, momentum is building toward the likelihood of Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho remaining in his post, as the Ministry of Justice takes on the responsibility of organizational restructuring and subsequent legislative revisions as the competent authority.

The government is currently pursuing reforms to the criminal justice system, centered on separating the prosecution's investigative and indictment functions. At this juncture, replacing the minister could place a significant burden on preparation timelines and inter-agency coordination, which appears to have been taken into consideration. Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Presidential Office, previously stated that the role of the competent minister is necessary until the Public Prosecutions Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office are institutionally settled.

President Lee Jae-myung also reaffirmed the purpose of the Criminal Procedure Act amendment at a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing that all institutions of power must be placed under the control of the people. He further expressed concerns about the concentration of investigative authority within the police and organizational bloat, calling for the refinement of related laws and regulations.

However, Minister Chung Sung-ho expressed his intent to resign after the Criminal Procedure Act amendment passed the National Assembly. During a full meeting of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee, he reiterated his intention to step down, saying, "New wine must be put into new wineskins," and in a meeting with reporters, he stated, "There is nothing more for me to do, nor the will to do so." Health issues, including sleep disorders, were also reported as reasons for his resignation. Minister Chung, who had maintained opposition to the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigative authority, also expressed concerns about the side effects of the legislative amendment and its disconnect from field realities.

On the 4th, during a closed-door Cabinet meeting, President Lee received a briefing from Minister Chung on the current status of correctional facility operations and said with a smile, "Hold firm." Although it was not an official rejection of his resignation, the remark is interpreted as reflecting the President's intention that the minister continue in his role for the time being. Presidential Office officials also conveyed that the statement was, in effect, an appeal for Chung to withdraw his resignation.

Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the 5th, work briefings are scheduled from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of Government Legislation, and the Ministry of Personnel Management. The preparations for the launch of the Public Prosecutions Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office, as well as follow-up measures to the Criminal Procedure Act amendment, are expected to be discussed. Attention is also focused on whether the President will make any additional remarks regarding Minister Chung's future.