62.5 pct of S. Koreans say prosecution's supplementary investigation rights necessary: poll

A recent survey reveals that more than 62.5% of South Koreans believe prosecutors should retain the right to conduct supplementary investigations, following recent revisions to the Criminal Procedure Act that stripped prosecutors of their investigative powers. According to the poll conducted by Hangil Research from August 1st to 4th, 625 out of 1,000 adult respondents supported the idea of supplementary investigative authority to address potential gaps in initial police investigations.

Critics argue that the revision could leave victims of crimes less protected, while support for prosecutors' powers spans across political spectrums, with 53.8% of ruling Democratic Party supporters and 73% of main opposition People Power Party supporters backing the idea. Moderates expressed the highest support at 70.5%, while conservatives followed at 69.9% and progressives at 52%.

However, public trust in law enforcement agencies is divided, with 48.1% trusting the prosecution and 48.4% distrusting it, and 41.4% trusting the police and 55.2% distrusting it.