Prosecution and Judicial System Reforms Enter a Pause

Published 24 Sep.2025 15:16(KST)

Atmosphere Shifts After President's Press Conference
Government Takes the Lead, Adopting a Cautious Stance

Discussions on reforming the prosecution and judicial systems appear to have entered a period of pause. While the ruling party plans to proceed with the prosecution system reforms according to the previously set timetable, the government has taken the lead on specific details, resulting in a more cautious approach prevailing.

Yoon Hojung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, is responding to questions at the Public Administration and Security Committee held at the National Assembly on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the prosecution system reform, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojung attended the plenary session of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on September 22 and stated, "Under any circumstances, the supplementary investigation authority will be granted to the Public Prosecution Office." This statement drew a clear line against some voices within the Democratic Party of Korea calling for even the abolition of the right to request supplementary investigations. Minister Yoon added, "If investigation and prosecution are separated, it will clarify responsibility and allow for more accountable investigations."

A chief prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office said, "The supplementary investigation authority is more than a simple investigative power; it is the final investigative tool to uncover the truth of a case and prevent unjust victims." He continued, "If the supplementary investigation authority is also removed, delays in investigations and difficulties in collecting evidence will ultimately have a negative impact on protecting the livelihoods and property of the public." He emphasized, "Now is the time to prioritize strengthening the nation's investigative capabilities and protecting the rights and interests of the people in these discussions."

Regarding the judicial system reform, Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated on the 21st, "When it comes to the judicial reform bill, we plan to take a cautious approach and allow more time," adding, "There should be no major issues in processing the related legislation around November." On the establishment of a special court for insurrection cases, he said, "Rather than rushing, we will seek to build public consensus through extensive discussions," distancing himself from hardliners within the party. However, on the 23rd, Floor Leader Kim reaffirmed his intention to process the amendment to the Government Organization Act, including the abolition of the Prosecution Service, at the plenary session on the 25th.

A ruling party official commented, "While judicial reform still requires building greater public consensus and should be approached cautiously, there is no issue with proceeding with prosecution reform according to the established timetable." Another official from the ruling party added, "Prosecution reform is something the party has been preparing for a long time, so there is no reason to slow down."

The atmosphere surrounding the discussions on prosecution and judicial system reforms shifted following a press conference by President Lee Jaemyung (18th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute). At the press conference marking his 100th day in office on September 11, President Lee stated, "On all policy issues, including prosecution reform, we must set aside emotions as much as possible and make cool, neutral, and forward-looking judgments. This is especially true if the matter concerns fundamental social systems rather than temporary policies."