Writer Heo Ji-woong. [Heo Ji-woong's social media]
Writer Heo Ji-woong. [Heo Ji-woong's social media]

Writer Heo Ji-woong warned that the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation powers, set to take effect in October, "will quickly sweep over everyday life," adding, "One month left."

Late Monday, Heo posted on his social media account asking, "Does the president regret not using his veto?" He wrote that assurances of improvement after implementation were tantamount to saying "each citizen's death would fuel one unit of reform momentum — it should have been stopped."

The remarks expressed concern over President Lee Jae Myung's decision to let the revised Code of Criminal Procedure — which strips prosecutors of their supplementary investigation powers — pass without a veto.

Heo added, "At this very moment, I desperately hope the president has a reliable, long-standing plan to save lives." He continued, "For those who championed the abolition of supplementary investigation powers while wagering citizens' lives and flashing arrogant victory messages — may they be reserved the hottest corner of hell."

He attached to the post a photo of Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Yong-min, who led the legislative push to abolish the supplementary investigation powers.

Heo had also posted on Aug. 1, writing that "the disorder and historical regression that will result from abolishing supplementary investigation powers cannot be held accountable by anyone — the harm to citizens will be irreversible, with no going back." He called on the president to exercise his veto.

On the People Power Party's opposition to the bill, Heo said the party was "only responding mechanically without taking an active stand," adding that it was "because they are actually looking forward to that disorder and regression."

On Aug. 4, he posted again, criticizing the Democratic Party: "This was truly the last line. Let's take responsibility by dying quickly since it's too hard to endure."


jshan@heraldcorp.com