South Korea government backs full abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority

Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok told reporters on 25 May that the government’s final position is to eliminate the prosecutors’ supplementary investigation power (보완수사권) and to defer to the National Assembly for any legislative action. He said the administration will not submit a separate bill, emphasizing respect for parliamentary debate and the public’s will.

Former Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong‑rae praised the move on social media, calling for an irreversible, complete repeal and urging the government to prepare a full‑scale executive order. He added that the abolition should be “irrevocable” in the National Assembly.

At the same time, the structure of the newly created Central Serious Crime Investigation Agency (중수청) remains uncertain. The agency’s headquarters will be located at Renes Square in Seoul, but details on regional offices, staffing levels (estimated at about 3,000 personnel), and the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act have not been finalised. Critics warn that launching the agency by 2 Oct without the necessary legislation could create gaps in criminal investigations.