South Korea passes criminal procedure law overhaul removing prosecutor investigative powers

South Korea's National Assembly approved a sweeping amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, ending the prosecutor’s direct investigative authority and supplementary‑investigation rights for the first time since the law’s 1954 enactment. The bill passed with 175 votes in favor, two against and one abstention, and will take effect on 2 October when the Prosecutor’s Office is dissolved and two new bodies – the Public Prosecution Office (공소청) and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (중대범죄수사청) – begin operating.

People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang‑hyun condemned the change as a distortion of former President Roh Moo‑hyun’s legacy, demanding an apology in the name of Roh’s spirit. Democratic Party lawmaker Kwak Sang‑eon, Roh’s son‑in‑law, countered that Roh never advocated a total removal of prosecutorial powers, warning that the reform is being misused for political gain. Critics warn that the shift could strain police resources, delay investigations and leave victims insufficiently protected, while supporters argue it will curb political abuse of the prosecutor’s office.

The amendment marks a major restructuring of South Korea’s criminal justice system, separating investigation from prosecution and introducing new procedural safeguards.