Seoul: The leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) has criticized President Lee Jae Myung for his comments regarding a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act, which removes prosecutors' investigative powers. This criticism arises from Lee's admission during a government briefing that he had "not read" the revised legislation, despite previously approving its promulgation.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the controversy began when President Lee, during a Cabinet meeting, questioned whether prosecutors would be allowed to conduct investigations under the newly revised law. This prompted a strong response from Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, a member of the PPP, who expressed astonishment at the president's remarks, accusing him of undermining the judicial system in South Korea.

Rep. Jang, during a meeting of the party's supreme council, stated, "It is embarrassing to call someone who has completely destroyed South Korea's judicial system by amending the Criminal Procedure Act and confidently says, 'I have not read the legal text,' the president of South Korea." He further criticized the president for making such statements nonchalantly, suggesting that it was concerning people did not recognize the gravity of his words.

In response to the criticism, Seong Ghi-hong, the senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication, clarified in a radio interview that President Lee was aware of the law's contents. He explained that the president's questions were intended to gauge how different ministers interpreted the provisions, acknowledging that interpretations could vary about the role of prosecutors in joint investigations with police once the law is enacted.

A survey commissioned by KUKINEWS, conducted by Hangil Research, indicated that more than 62 percent of South Koreans believe that prosecutors should retain the right to conduct supplementary investigations, highlighting public sentiment on the contentious issue.