Han Byung-do vows to balance deliberation and timely legislation on abolishing prosecutors' supplementary investigation powers

Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said Wednesday he would "catch both rabbits" — thorough deliberation and timely legislation — in pursuing the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation powers.

Han made the remarks at a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on Wednesday, saying "We will continue fierce debate and deliberation, broadly gathering not only diverse opinions within the party but also views from the legal community, academia and civil society regarding the amendment."

He described a criminal procedure law amendment bill recently introduced by the party's TF as "key legislation to complete the overarching principle of prosecutorial reform — the full separation of investigation and indictment — and to build a new criminal justice system centered on the people."

Han also raised the issue of Homeplus facing bankruptcy, saying the party would push for a parliamentary hearing on the matter.

"Despite bankruptcy proceedings being just around the corner, MBK — the largest shareholder — and Meritz Financial, the largest creditor, are still focused solely on evading responsibility with a passive attitude," he said. "This situation does not end with simply one company going bankrupt. The damage will be wide — for the more than 13,000 workers and their families, for tenants and suppliers, and further for local communities, consumers and the public at large."

He added that "public anger is surging at the deceptive conduct of MBK and Meritz, who are failing to fulfill even the most basic social responsibilities," and that "the Democratic Party will spare no effort to the end in uncovering the truth, holding those responsible accountable, and protecting workers' livelihoods, supporting related businesses and safeguarding local economies."