South Korea's Democratic Party moves to overhaul criminal procedure law

The ruling Democratic Party submitted a package of amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, aiming to abolish the prosecutor's supplemental investigation (보완수사) right, introduce a third‑party recommendation system for special prosecutors, and strengthen protections for complainants and victims. The proposals, presented to the National Assembly’s Legislation Committee, also seek to reinstate the prior‑indictment referral system (전건송치) and expand the staff of the ongoing comprehensive special prosecutor team.

The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office filed an opinion with the legislature urging retention of the supplemental investigation right and reinstatement of the prior‑indictment referral, arguing that these tools are essential for swift judicial oversight and preventing wrongful convictions. The Democratic Party’s task force plans to finalize the amendment draft in a meeting on July 9, after which it will be submitted to the Law Committee for a subcommittee review starting July 10.

Opposition parties have expressed reservations, particularly over the third‑party special prosecutor recommendation and the removal of the supplemental investigation mechanism, but have indicated willingness to participate in the legislative discussion.