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President Lee Jae-myung has accepted Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho's resignation, as confirmed by Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kang Yu-jung on August 24, 2026. Jung cited health issues that hindered his ability to continue in his role. This resignation follows weeks of controversy surrounding a major overhaul of the criminal justice system that strips the prosecution of its investigative powers.
Jung had previously disclosed his health problems, including a sleep disorder, during a meeting of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee in late July. His departure comes at a critical time as the prosecution is set to become an organization solely focused on indictments starting in October, with a new agency responsible for criminal investigations being established under the Interior Ministry.
Following his resignation, Jung will return to the National Assembly, where the ruling Democratic Party of Korea holds a majority. Over the past year, the Assembly has been working on legislation to split the prosecution into two bodies and transfer investigative authority to police and the new agency, limiting the powers of prosecutors significantly.