“But (the Cho Kuk affair) served as a reminder of how arrogantly the prosecution wielded power, unchecked,” he said, reaffirming the party’s commitment to prosecutorial reform.

“The prosecutors’ sole jurisdiction to indict suspects in particular, will be shared by a separate investigative body for checks and balances,” he said.

Lee also hinted at an impending party shakeup ahead of the 2020 general election.

“The Democratic Party is seeking to rejuvenate its membership, and recruit talent that can better represent society’s minorities,” he said, assuring, “We have picked up some new candidates that will be announced at an appropriate time.”

The main opposition Liberty Korea Party announced the same day a fresh list of recruits.

On views that the party leadership should be held accountable for damage done to Democratic Party by Cho, Lee said there will not be a caucus reshuffle.

“Considering there are only about five months remaining until (the parliamentary) election, replacing the leadership at this point would adversely affect the election results.”

He added that a special party committee will be formed to ensure a majority in the next parliament.

“If the Democratic Party fails to win a majority, it will be devastating for the whole country,” he said, accusing the opposition party of divisive partisan rhetoric at a time when dialogue is most needed.

By Kim Arin (arin@heraldcorp.com)