South Korean police face increased workload and disciplinary scrutiny

Following the implementation of revised criminal procedure laws, the newly established Prosecution Service has issued over 1,650 requests for supplementary investigations to the police within its first week of operation. Data submitted to the National Assembly indicates that police are now tasked with managing these additional investigation requirements alongside their existing caseloads.

Under the new system, prosecutors focus on determining indictment and maintaining prosecutions rather than conducting direct investigations, instead requesting further police action when necessary. This shift is expected to increase the workload for frontline investigators, who must also handle approximately 1,954 cases involving wanted persons previously managed by prosecutors.

Separately, reports regarding police conduct show that the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency recorded the highest number of disciplinary actions in South Korea over the last three years. A total of 346 officers in Seoul were disciplined, accounting for nearly 24% of the country's total disciplinary cases. These actions included dismissals, demotions, and suspensions for offenses such as embezzlement, extortion, and sexual crimes.