South Korean Cabinet Approves Bill Stripping Prosecutors of Investigative Powers

South Korea's Cabinet approved a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act on Tuesday that abolishes the authority of prosecutors to conduct direct investigations. The bill, which passed the National Assembly in a vote boycotted by the main opposition People Power Party, transfers investigative authority solely to the police. Under the new system, prosecutors will be limited to bringing charges and prosecuting cases in court. If a supplementary investigation is required, prosecutors may request that the police carry it out, with the police given up to two months to complete the task. The revision is scheduled to take effect on October 2.

President Lee Jae Myung defended the move as the beginning of judicial normalization. He stated that the separation of investigations and indictments is necessary to fix an abnormal system where prosecutors wielded excessive power to target individuals or cover up cases. While signaling he would not veto the bill, President Lee warned that the shift could concentrate too much power within the police. He instructed officials to create safeguards to ensure transparency and prevent the police from monopolizing investigative authority.

Center-leaning reports focus on the administrative details of the overhaul and the president's stated goals of judicial normalization. In contrast, center-right reports highlight the sharp criticism from conservative lawmakers. Members of the People Power Party argue that the revision will benefit criminals and place the criminal justice system under the control of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Some conservative critics, including former justice minister Han Dong-hoon, claim the changes will increase legal costs for victims and leave them without adequate protection. Specifically, Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok alleged that President Lee approved the bill to facilitate the dismissal of his own criminal trials.