South Korea's National Assembly passed the second Comprehensive Special Investigation Extension Law on July 21, 2026 [1].

The legislation increases the resources and timeframe available to the special investigation commission, signaling a legislative push to deepen the current probe. The measure was advanced by the Democratic Party to ensure the commission has sufficient capacity to conclude its work.

Under the terms of the new law, the investigation period is extended by 30 days [1]. To support this expanded timeline, the government will provide an additional 150 dispatched civil servants to the commission [1].

During the proceedings in the plenary chamber in Seoul, Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon was observed taking detailed notes [1]. Footage from the session showed the minister continuing to record information even as other members had left the hall [1].

The Democratic Party-led effort emphasizes the need for more time and personnel to uncover specific findings. The addition of 150 staff members is intended to address the administrative and investigative burdens facing the commission [1].

Minister Han's presence and note-taking during the passage of the law highlight the high stakes of the investigation for the justice ministry. The legislative victory for the Democratic Party ensures that the probe will continue beyond its original expiration date, potentially uncovering more evidence before the new 30-day window closes [1].

“The investigation period is extended by 30 days.”

The passage of this extension law demonstrates the Democratic Party's ability to leverage its legislative majority to sustain oversight of the executive branch. By expanding both the timeline and the manpower of the commission, the legislature is preventing a premature end to the probe, which increases the legal and political pressure on the Ministry of Justice.