South Korea's criminal justice overhaul mirrors UK's 40-year reform journey

South Korea is embarking on a sweeping reform of its criminal justice system, a move drawing parallels to a major shift in the United Kingdom four decades ago. In 1986, the UK separated prosecution from police investigations, a significant change from a system where police held immense power and were prone to abuses like coercive interrogations. This separation created the Crown Prosecution Service, entrusting prosecutors with the power to indict.

South Korea's current reform, while different in its direction, shifting power from prosecutors to the police, shares the fundamental goal of rebalancing authority. The UK's 1986 reform was a monumental step, dismantling a 150-year-old police-centric system. Similarly, South Korea's decision to completely strip prosecutors of their investigative powers after 72 years represents an equally substantial 'experiment.'

Proponents of the separation in South Korea highlight the UK's experience as a successful model for separating investigative and prosecutorial functions. However, the article emphasizes a crucial aspect of the UK's reform: its sustained maintenance. Following the initial 'reconstruction,' the UK system underwent continuous 'remodeling' through expert reviews and subsequent legislation every five to ten years, a process that continues to this day. This suggests that the success of such a profound systemic change hinges not just on the initial reform but on ongoing adaptation and refinement.