Seoul: The Cabinet has given the green light to two significant prosecution reform bills aimed at dismantling the current prosecution service later this year. This move is set to separate the existing exclusive powers held by the prosecution to initiate criminal investigations and indict suspects, marking a drastic transformation of the nation's legal framework.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the approval of these bills will result in the closure of the prosecution office in October, 78 years after its inception in 1948. In its place, two new agencies will be established to handle indictments and investigations separately. These changes were initiated by the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and successfully passed in the National Assembly last week, despite a boycott by the main opposition, the People Power Party (PPP).

The newly formed indictment agency will be solely responsible for handling indictments, while investigative duties will be transferred to the newly established serious crimes investigation agency. This new investigative body, operating under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, will focus on probing six major crime areas, including corruption, economic offenses, defense industry-related crimes, and drug offenses.

The government's push for this reform stems from longstanding criticism that the prosecution service has misused its powers for politically motivated investigations. The DP advocates that these changes are necessary to prevent potential political exploitation of prosecutorial powers. On the other hand, the PPP has expressed concerns that the reform could diminish oversight on investigators and heighten the risk of political interference.

The establishment of the two new agencies will follow the dismantling of the current prosecution office, marking a new chapter in the nation's approach to criminal justice.