▲ Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho speaks to reporters in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, on Aug. 18, 2026. (Yonhap)

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has accepted Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho's resignation, a presidential spokesperson said Monday, a week after the minister offered to step down.

"President Lee accepted Minister Jung Sung-ho's resignation, as he expressed difficulty in continuing to carry out his duties due to deteriorating health," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said.

The government plans to appoint Jung's successor promptly to avoid any disruption to state administration, Kang added.

Jung submitted his resignation last week, citing the completed legislation of a prosecution reform bill, as well as health issues.

Under the legislation, prosecutors will be completely stripped of their investigative authority, leaving investigative powers entirely in the hands of the police.

With Jung's departure, two ministerial seats are now vacant, including the post of minister for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which was vacated by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook.

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