South Korean cabinet approves bill to strip prosecutors of investigative powers

South Korea's cabinet has approved a controversial amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that would completely abolish the prosecution service's investigative powers. This significant reform aims to shift primary investigative authority from prosecutors to the police. The move is a key component of the current administration's broader agenda to restructure the nation's law enforcement and judicial landscape. Proponents argue the change will create a more balanced system, preventing potential abuses of power by prosecutors. However, the decision has faced strong opposition from the prosecution service and some legal circles, who express concerns about the police potentially wielding unchecked investigative authority. The bill's passage through the cabinet marks a critical step, but its full implementation and ultimate impact on the justice system remain subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.