Seoul: The government has reached a final conclusion to strip the prosecution of its right to conduct supplementary investigations, a decision announced by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Thursday. This development aligns with the ruling Democratic Party's (DP) agenda, which has been advocating for the complete removal of the prosecution's investigative powers.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the debate over whether the prosecution should maintain any investigative rights has been contentious. While the ruling party supports a full revocation, the opposition warns that such a move could have serious negative repercussions. President Lee Jae Myung has expressed concerns about potential adverse effects if all of the prosecution's investigative powers are abolished, although he concurs with removing their supplementary investigative authority.
"The basic principle of the Lee Jae Myung administration's prosecution reform push is the separation of investigation and indictment," Prime Minister Kim stated. He emphasized that the government's position to eliminate the prosecution's supplementary investigative rights has been finalized and will be communicated to the National Assembly without the introduction of a new legislative bill.
Kim also noted the importance of respecting the National Assembly's discussions and decisions, expressing confidence that a reasonable conclusion will be reached. This announcement comes as Kim prepares to exit his current role to vie for the leadership of the ruling party, a contest anticipated to be primarily between him and the existing party leader, Jung Chung-rae.
The Democratic Party has long sought to reform the prosecution service, accusing it of misusing its powers to target liberal politicians, including the late President Roh Moo-hyun, who tragically ended his life amid a prosecution investigation into corruption allegations. The DP claims President Lee is also a victim, alleging the prosecution fabricated charges against him. Lee faced several corruption trials, which were halted after his election and inauguration in June 2025.
The prosecution reform legislation, which proposes restructuring the government to dismantle the prosecution and establish two separate agencies for investigation and indictment, received approval from the National Assembly and the Cabinet in March. It is slated to become effective in October. However, the legislation has raised concerns from the opposition and critics who argue that removing all investigative rights from the prosecution could lead to inadequacies in investigations, as the prosecution traditionally compensates for the police's limitations.
In response to the reform legislation, revisions to the Criminal Procedure Act are anticipated in the coming months. Experts assert that the act should be amended to preserve at least a minimal level of investigative authority for the prosecution.