South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has instructed a government task force to discuss demands for preserving the prosecution's supplementary investigative rights — but only with the overarching principle that the prosecution's investigative powers should be abolished entirely, officials said on Wednesday, 6 May. The directive signals the prime minister's firm commitment to a sweeping prosecution reform agenda that has divided South Korean politics.

What the Reform Entails

The prosecution reform legislation, championed by the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and cleared by Cabinet in March, seeks to dismantle the existing prosecution service and replace it with a leaner agency responsible solely for indictments and court proceedings — stripped of all independent investigative authority. The law is set to take effect in October.

Prime Minister Kim issued his instruction to a dedicated task force operating under the prime minister's office, which has been gathering public opinion ahead of a planned revision to the Criminal Procedure Act. On Wednesday, a formal public discussion was held between the ruling party and the government, centred on whether the prosecution should retain any supplementary investigative role.

The Political Context Behind the Push

The reform carries deep political weight. The ruling bloc has long argued that the prosecution abused its investigative powers to target liberal politicians — most notably the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, who died by suicide while under a prosecution probe into corruption allegations.

Supporters of the reform also point to incumbent President Lee Jae Myung, who faced multiple corruption trials before they were suspended following his election and inauguration in June 2025. The DP has characterised those prosecutions as politically motivated.

Opposition and Critics Raise Concerns

The legislation has drawn significant pushback from the opposition and legal experts, who warn that eliminating the prosecution's investigative authority entirely could create serious gaps in the criminal justice system. Critics argue that the prosecution has historically compensated for shortfalls in police investigations, and that leaving all investigative work to the police carries substantial risk.

Many critics contend the prosecution should retain at least a minimum level of investigative rights to ensure accountability and effectiveness in complex cases.

Reading Between the Lines

While Prime Minister Kim has repeatedly opposed granting the prosecution supplementary investigative rights, he has also publicly acknowledged the need to consider dissenting views — a balancing act that analysts say reflects political calculation. According to Yonhap news agency, his latest instruction to the task force is seen as a reaffirmation of his intent to drive the reform forward.

Some political observers suggest the message may also be aimed at consolidating support among hardcore DP loyalists ahead of a leadership race within the ruling party, expected after next month's nationwide local elections.

With the October deadline approaching, how the task force navigates the question of supplementary investigative rights is likely to determine both the shape of South Korea's criminal justice system and the political fortunes of those steering the reform.