South Korea is expected to approve an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that removes the prosecutor's supplementary investigation authority [1].
This legislative shift represents a fundamental change in the balance of power within the nation's legal system. By stripping prosecutors of this specific power, the government aims to restructure how criminal investigations are conducted and overseen.
The amendment has already passed the National Assembly plenary session [1]. It now awaits approval from the State Council and subsequent promulgation by President Lee Jae-myung [1]. According to government protocols, the president must promulgate the law within 15 days of its transmission to the government [1].
President Lee is currently traveling in Germany and Central and South America [1]. He is scheduled to return Aug. 3 and will chair the State Council meeting Aug. 4 [1]. While some reports suggest the vote will occur this week, others indicate it will happen next week [1].
Government officials said that the administration intends to seek a swift finalization of the process. Rather than exercising the presidential veto—known as the right of re-examination—the government plans to address any outstanding issues through supplementary measures [1].
"Since the National Assembly procedures for the amendment have ended, shouldn't it be processed quickly?" a senior government official said [1].
This reform is described as the first major overhaul of the criminal justice system in 72 years [1]. The move is intended to prevent the concentration of power within the prosecution service and ensure a more distributed investigative process.
“The amendment removes the prosecutor’s supplementary investigation authority.”
The removal of supplementary investigation powers significantly weakens the autonomy of South Korean prosecutors, shifting the operational lead of criminal cases. By avoiding a veto, President Lee is signaling a commitment to the legislative will of the National Assembly, potentially reducing the long-standing political friction between the executive branch and the prosecution service.
