South Korea debates ending prosecutors' supplementary investigation power

The ruling Democratic Party is pushing a criminal procedure amendment that would abolish the prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority, allowing only limited use for serious crimes such as sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. Internal dissent has emerged; party lawmaker Hong Ki‑won said he will introduce a bill preserving limited authority, while other members warned that a full repeal could let suspects evade justice.

The Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice and the Korean Bar Association have all called for safeguards, stating that the change could create procedural gaps. The Court’s administrative office urged that “sufficient compensatory measures” be included to prevent adverse side‑effects. Prominent lawyers cited the recent Jang Yoon‑gi murder case as an example of why a check on investigations is needed.

The opposition People Power Party responded by filing a “maintenance law” to retain the authority and criticised the amendment as benefiting the current administration. The debate continues in the National Assembly as both sides prepare alternative proposals and seek broader consensus.