The Blue House [Photo by Lee Jung-hoon] 2025.12.8

Regarding the issue of the prosecution's supplementary investigative authority, the Blue House stated on the 21st, "The decision on whether to abolish the supplementary investigative authority has already been left to the ruling party," adding, "Whatever the decision may be, the Blue House will respect it."

A Blue House official expressed concern during a phone call with Yonhap News regarding signs that the controversy surrounding this issue is becoming prolonged, and made the aforementioned remarks.

The official emphasized, "It would be better for (the ruling party) to reach a conclusion early to reduce the likelihood of the controversy dragging on or causing unnecessary confusion."

They added, "What is truly important is to prepare for the aftermath (once the decision on the supplementary investigative authority is made)."

Previously, in a press conference marking his first anniversary in office last June, the President hinted that he could personally consider supplementary investigative authority in very exceptional cases, but also stated that he decided to leave the conclusion of this matter to the National Assembly, noting that "distrust (in the prosecution) is too deep."

Since then, discussions within the ruling party had leaned toward abolishing the supplementary investigative authority; however, in the wake of the recent Jang Yoon-ki case, concerns about the complete abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigative authority have begun to emerge within the party as well.

Consequently, some observers are raising the possibility that this issue could emerge as a key point of contention at the upcoming national convention.

At this juncture, the Blue House's emphasis on the importance of a swift decision and prompt follow-up measures is interpreted as stemming from concerns that if political debate intensifies, the intent of prosecution reform could be diminished, or furthermore, the fundamental principle of minimizing harm to the public could be undermined. [Yonhap News]