South Korean Police prepare for major investigative shift after Prosecution Service abolition

criminal justice reform National Police Agency Prosecution Service abolition National Assembly audit investigative authority

Following the abolition of the Prosecution Service, the South Korean National Police Agency is preparing for a major shift in the criminal justice system. During a National Assembly audit, Acting Commissioner Kim Jong-cheol emphasized that the police view this transition not as an expansion of power, but as an increase in responsibility to ensure investigative integrity and political neutrality.

While some police officials describe the current situation as the 'calm before the storm,' noting that a massive influx of cases from the former prosecution service has not yet materialized, concerns remain regarding potential workload surges at local stations. To mitigate this, the police have recruited over 4,000 investigative personnel this year and are implementing AI-driven support to improve efficiency.

Political tension remains high during the National Assembly audits. Ruling and opposition parties have clashed over issues including the political neutrality of the police, the potential for investigative gaps during the transition to the new Prosecution Office and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, and the management of large-scale criminal cases.

Entities

Kim Jong-cheol · National Assembly · National Police Agency · Prosecution Service · Serious Crime Investigation Agency

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] More than 4,000 investigative personnel have been recruited this year to address manpower shortages. www.sportalkorea.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The restructuring of the criminal justice system represents an increase in responsibility for the police rather than an expansion of power. www.sisajournal.com · www.newstomato.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The current period following the abolition of the Prosecution Service is described by police as the 'calm before the storm' as case transfers have not yet surged.
[○ 1 SOURCE] 1,954 cases that were under suspended prosecution by the prosecution service have been transferred to the police. www.sportalkorea.com