South Korean Lawmaker Places Bill Abolishing Prosecutors' Powers at Late President's Grave

Kim Yong-min, a lawmaker from South Korea's Democratic Party, has marked the passage of a bill that abolishes prosecutors' direct investigative powers by placing the legislative document at the grave of former President Roh Moo-hyun. Kim declared this action fulfilled a "homework assignment" from the late president.

Kim visited Roh's memorial site in Bongha Village, Gimhae, on August 1, and posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing a document envelope containing the criminal procedure act amendment placed at the grave. A wreath inscribed with "We have finished all the homework you gave us, Mr. President" was also present. Kim, a lawyer by profession, was a key figure in the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, advocating for the bill's passage.

Following the bill's approval in the National Assembly on July 31, Kim expressed on Facebook, "I kept my promise today to complete prosecutorial reform, even giving up my bid for party leadership." He added, "I have arrived, rolling on the ground with nothing but my body. Thank you to everyone who endured the strong resistance with me." His office stated he immediately traveled to Bongha Village after the bill's passage.

Kim further commented on Facebook on August 1, "While the ultimate bastion of democracy is the organized power of vigilant citizens, the final bastion protecting the vested interests cartel was the prosecution. That is why the conservative media is now in a state of panic." The new law, set to take effect on October 2, will abolish the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and establish the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the Prosecution Service. Under the new system, prosecutors will lose their direct investigative authority, only being able to request supplementary investigations from judicial police officers.

The Democratic Party lauded the bill as "returning prosecutorial power under the control of the constitution and the people." However, the opposition People Power Party strongly opposes the reform. The party plans to hold a supreme council meeting in front of the presidential office on August 3 to urge President Lee Jae-myung to exercise his veto power over the amendment.