Lee signs into law act stripping prosecutors of authority to conduct investigations

President Lee Jae Myung signed into law a bill stripping prosecutors of their authority to conduct investigations on Aug. 4, according to the source. The amendment, passed by the National Assembly, removes the legal basis for direct and supplementary investigations by prosecutors, transferring that responsibility to investigative agencies like the police.

President Lee explained that separating investigation and indictment powers is a first step toward correcting abnormalities in the criminal justice system. He expressed concerns about the police's exclusive control over investigations and suggested that officers committing misconduct should face consequences such as dismissal or removal.

The new major crimes investigation agency, set to launch on Oct. 2, will have 2,874 personnel across its headquarters and six regional offices, with 1,089 working in Seoul. The agency will investigate seven major categories of crime, including corruption, economic offenses, drug offenses, and cybercrimes. The government allowed current prosecutors and prosecution investigators to join the new agency without taking exams, provided they express interest.

Opposition leaders, however, criticized the law as an "evil law" that will harm victims and violate their human rights.