South Korea establishes Major Crimes Investigation Agency

South Korea has launched a new criminal justice system following the abolition of the Prosecution Service, replaced by the Major Crimes Investigation Agency (MCIA) and the Prosecution Office. The MCIA is tasked with investigating seven major crime categories, including economic crimes such as stock manipulation, fraud, embezzlement, and breach of trust.

Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural head of the MCIA, officially took office, pledging political neutrality and investigative independence. He emphasized a commitment to procedural justice, stating that the agency would avoid investigations targeting specific individuals or using pretextual methods. The agency aims to strengthen capabilities in digital forensics, financial analysis, and international cooperation.

To establish its presence, the MCIA is expected to focus heavily on corporate crimes. The anti-monopoly investigation division has seen a significant increase in personnel, growing from approximately 20 investigators in the former Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office to 120 within the MCIA's anti-monopoly bureau. This expansion follows a history of intensive investigations into large-scale cartel activities, such as petrochemical price-fixing.

Questions remain regarding the administration of the leniency program (leniency for self-reporters), with debate continuing over whether the MCIA or the Prosecution Office should hold the authority to grant immunity or reduced sentencing.