South Korean police prepare for major procedural changes after prosecutor powers cut

South Korea's National Police Agency is gearing up for a major shift in its operations following the parliamentary passage of a revised Criminal Procedure Act. The amendment fundamentally alters the country's legal landscape by stripping prosecutors of their investigative authority and consolidating investigative powers with the police.

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This is a major turning point in the criminal justice system, and I feel a heavy sense of responsibility.

Hong Seok-ki, head of the National Investigation Headquarters at the police agency, acknowledged the significance of the legislative change. "This is a major turning point in the criminal justice system, and I feel a heavy sense of responsibility," Hong stated. He emphasized that the revised law clearly defines roles, with prosecutors responsible for indictment and judicial police officers handling investigations, a move intended to clarify responsibilities within the system.

To manage the transition, the police agency has established a dedicated task force led by Yoo Seung-ryeol, Director of Investigation Planning and Coordination. This team will focus on developing the necessary follow-up measures, including revisions to subordinate laws and regulations. The task force will also monitor how the police handle requests for supplementary investigations from prosecutors, aiming to ensure swift and effective processing.

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The law clearly defines the roles, stating that prosecutors are responsible for indictment and prosecution, and judicial police officers are responsible for investigations.

Hong expressed confidence that the revised law would reduce the number of supplementary investigation requests from prosecutors. He believes that prosecutors, now solely focused on indictment and prosecution, will feel a greater responsibility to guide investigative agencies effectively rather than acting as a competing entity. The police agency is committed to adapting to these changes and improving its investigative capabilities to meet the new legal framework.

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Prosecutors will feel a sense of responsibility to lead the investigative agencies well as the party that indicts and prosecutes, rather than as a competing agency with some investigative authority.