Seoul:South Korea launched a prosecution service solely focused on indicting, alongside a new investigation agency, in a significant reform of its criminal justice system. The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA) and the revamped Prosecution Service held official launch ceremonies, effectively replacing the traditional prosecutors' office after 78 years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this reform is aimed at addressing criticism over the previous prosecution's authority, which was seen as excessive due to its dual role in investigations and indictments. Under the new system, prosecutors will now only handle indictments, with police gaining more control over criminal investigations. The previous 42 prosecutorial departments that conducted investigations have been disbanded, with their functions now transferred to the SCIA.
The SCIA is tasked with investigating major crimes across seven categories, including corruption, economic crimes, and cybercrimes. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung emphasized the need for cooperation between the agencies, stating that while investigations and indictments are separated, their responsibility to the public remains unified. He stressed the importance of establishing a system to prevent case gaps from the beginning to the end.
Despite these changes, there has been some resistance due to concerns about police having too much authority and the lack of prosecutorial oversight in investigations. The police have recently been under public scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, including a mishandled missing person case in Jeju.
Further complicating the launch, the two agencies currently lack appointed chiefs, raising concerns about decision-making gaps. President Lee Jae Myung has called for a parliamentary hearing for his SCIA chief nominee, Kim Ji-yong, whose selection has faced opposition from some ruling party members.
The SCIA is also contending with staffing challenges, starting with approximately 1,900 employees, which is below its authorized capacity. On its first day, the agency received several criminal complaints, including one from a shareholder rights group against executives of Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc. for alleged breach of trust. Another complaint was filed against President Lee and a former defense minister, accusing them of failing to prevent a mine blast in the Demilitarized Zone, which South Korea attributes to North Korean actions. North Korea denies these allegations.