South Korea's acting Prosecutor General Gu Ja-hyun said Wednesday that proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act would collapse the criminal-justice system [1].

The potential changes threaten the balance of power within the legal system by removing critical oversight mechanisms. If passed, the legislation would eliminate the prosecutor’s authority to conduct supplementary investigations, a power Gu said is essential for maintaining checks and balances [2].

In a press statement issued by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and broadcast by YTN on July 29 [1], Gu said the resulting damage would be borne by the public. He said that the removal of supplementary investigation authority would create gaps in the pursuit of justice, leaving citizens vulnerable to systemic failures [2].

Gu said that while reform is necessary, it must be designed to protect the people. He said the public recognizes the necessity of supplementary investigations, and that any reform must prioritize the protection of citizens [2].

"The criminal justice system will collapse... the damage will be borne by the people," Gu said [2].

The acting Prosecutor General called for a reconsideration of the "abolition of supplementary investigation authority," saying that the current trajectory of the amendment undermines the core functionality of the prosecution's role in the legal process [2].

“"The criminal justice system will collapse... the damage will be borne by the people,"”

This conflict reflects an ongoing struggle in South Korea over the scope of prosecutorial power. By attempting to remove supplementary investigation authority, the proposed amendment seeks to further decouple the roles of investigation and prosecution. The acting Prosecutor General's warning suggests that such a separation may lead to inefficiency and a lack of accountability, potentially delaying justice for victims and suspects alike.