Ruling Party Pushes to Abolish Prosecutors' Investigation Rights Amid Fierce Opposition

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party is advancing a controversial legislative agenda to reform the prosecution service, including abolishing prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights and broadening the conditions under which cases can be dismissed. The party aims to finalize these changes, alongside the establishment of a new prosecution office, by the end of October.

The Democratic Party declared, "The 검찰 (prosecution), stained by past wrongdoings, has now faded into history." However, the opposition People Power Party vehemently condemned the move, labeling it a "declaration of surrender of the rule of law." The legislative push has intensified political friction, particularly with the last-minute addition of expanded case dismissal criteria.

Critics argue that abolishing supplementary investigation rights could lead to delays in handling everyday civil cases. Furthermore, accusations are circulating that the expanded dismissal provisions are specifically tailored to benefit Lee Jae-myung, a prominent political figure, fueling further political fallout. The legislative process has seen rapid movement, with the bill passing through committee stages swiftly.