South Korea to Abolish Prosecutors' Supplementary Investigation Rights

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced that the government has finalized its position to abolish the supplementary investigation rights of prosecutors, a key aspect of the ongoing prosecutorial reform. This decision aligns with the principles of separating investigation and prosecution, aiming to establish a more rational distribution of power and enhance the protection of citizens' fundamental rights.

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The fundamental principle of the prosecutorial reform pursued by the Lee Jae-myung government is the separation of investigation and prosecution, and this is the core principle of reform to more rationally re-establish prosecutorial power and more robustly protect the fundamental rights of the people.

Kim emphasized that this reform is a core principle of the current administration's efforts to overhaul the prosecution service. He has consistently advocated for the abolition of these supplementary rights, considering them necessary for a more balanced legal system. The government's stance has been shaped by various opinions gathered during discussions.

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I have consistently stated my position that prosecutorial supplementary investigation rights should be abolished in accordance with these principles.

Moving forward, the government intends to respect the decisions made by the National Assembly regarding the specifics of the reform. Prime Minister Kim stated that the government will convey its basic position to the ruling party and will not present a separate legislative bill. Instead, it prefers to allow the National Assembly, as the representative body of the people, to engage in thorough deliberation and reach a decision on the concrete institutional design and legislation.

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The government's basic position is to abolish supplementary investigation rights, taking into account the various opinions discussed and heard by the government.