Politics · South Korea · 38 mins ago
South Korea’s president defends agency chiefs’ attendance at cabinet meetings
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung defended the attendance of investigation and prosecution agency chiefs at cabinet meetings.
He made the comment at a cabinet meeting on Oct.
13.
The dispute began after the heads of the newly launched Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and Prosecution Agency attended a cabinet meeting the previous week.
Critics from legal circles and opposition parties said their attendance could weaken investigative independence and allow political control.
Lee said attendance was required by the constitution and the Government Organization Act.
He spoke publicly about the dispute about a week after it arose.
No further steps were specified.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung defended the attendance of investigation and prosecution agency chiefs at cabinet meetings.
He said their attendance was required by the Constitution and the Government Organization Act.
Lee made the comments at a cabinet meeting on October 13.
The issue followed the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Prosecution Agency the previous week.
Opposition and legal circles had raised concerns that the attendance could undermine investigative independence and bring agencies under political control.
- Who
- President Lee Jae-myung defended the attendance of the heads of investigation and prosecution agencies.
- What
- Lee said their attendance at cabinet meetings was required by the Constitution and the Government Organization Act.
- When
- October 13, 2026.
- Where
- At a cabinet meeting at the Blue House in Seoul.
- Why
- The attendance had prompted criticism over possible harm to investigative independence and political influence over the agencies.
President Lee Jae-myung
Opposition and legal critics
Constitutional basis
President Lee Jae-myung
Lee said the agency chiefs’ attendance was required by the Constitution and the Government Organization Act.
Opposition and legal critics
Critics questioned their attendance and raised concerns about investigative independence.
Effect on agencies
President Lee Jae-myung
Lee said he disagreed with the criticism.
Opposition and legal critics
Critics said the arrangement could undermine investigative independence and amount to political control.
The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Prosecution Agency launched, and their chiefs attended a cabinet meeting.
Lee publicly defended the agency chiefs’ attendance at cabinet meetings.
- President
- Lee Jae-myung
- Date of remarks
- October 13, 2026
- Agencies
- Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and Prosecution Agency
- Location
- Blue House, Seoul
What people are saying
I find it difficult to agree with that criticism.
It is a natural consequence under the Government Organization Act and the Constitution.
Sources
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