Acting Prosecutor General: 'Many citizens recognize the need for prosecutors' supplementary investigations'

Koo Ja-hyun, acting Prosecutor General, has voiced significant apprehension regarding a legislative amendment proposed by the Democratic Party that seeks to abolish prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights. In a statement, Koo warned that the elimination of these rights would result in the "concealment of truth" and ultimately lead to the "collapse of South Korea's criminal justice system."

"The content and direction of the ongoing discussions in the National Assembly regarding the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights, among other amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, cause me great concern," Koo stated. He emphasized that if the effective oversight, supplementation, and correction functions of prosecutors are removed, the truth in investigations could be hidden, disproportionately harming citizens who rely on the state for protection.

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If the effective oversight, supplementation, and correction functions of prosecutors are removed, the truth will be concealed, and South Korea's criminal justice system will collapse.

Koo asserted that a substantial portion of the public supports the necessity of supplementary investigations by prosecutors. He also noted that various sectors of society, including legal professionals and victim advocacy groups, have continuously expressed similar concerns. "This demonstrates that the institutional reforms envisioned by the public are not simply about removing prosecutorial power, but about protecting citizens from crime," he argued.

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A large number of citizens believe that supplementary investigations by prosecutors are necessary, and various sectors of society, including legal professionals and women's and victim groups, have continuously expressed concerns.

He appealed to lawmakers to carefully consider the implications of the proposed changes. "I believe the National Assembly is well aware of these points," Koo said. "I ask that during the upcoming discussions, including those in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, you thoroughly examine what a criminal justice system for the people should look like, ensuring that all citizens receive robust legal protection and that no one is left to appeal their grievances in vain."

Earlier, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee 1 had passed the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, primarily driven by the Democratic Party. This amendment aims to completely abolish prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights and strengthen the protection of crime victims. The People Power Party, which has adopted the retention of these rights as its official party stance, walked out of the meeting in protest. The Democratic Party plans to finalize legislative efforts related to prosecutorial reform in subsequent committee and plenary sessions.

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I ask that during the upcoming discussions, including those in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, you thoroughly examine what a criminal justice system for the people should look like, ensuring that all citizens receive robust legal protection and that no one is left to appeal their grievances in vain.