Unresolved cases surge has hit South Korea’s justice system hard last year. The average number of unresolved cases per prosecutor nearly doubled from December 2024 to November 2025. The figure rose from 73.4 to 135.7 in just 11 months.
More than 100 prosecutors received dispatches to three special counsel investigations last year. These probes involved corruption allegations against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee. A third probe looked into the death of a young Marine. Currently, 54 prosecutors remain assigned to these three special counsel teams. They are working to support indictments in these high-profile cases.
Five additional prosecutors received a dispatch to another special counsel probe in December. That investigation focuses on allegations involving e-commerce operator Coupang. Then in February, authorities assigned 12 prosecutors to a special counsel team for a second probe. This team will address allegations not covered in the three previous Yoon-related investigations.
Many prosecutors have opted to resign or take leave amid mounting workloads. Declining morale has also contributed to the departures. A total of 175 prosecutors resigned last year, marking the highest figure in a decade. Another 58 prosecutors stepped down in the first three months of this year.
A massive reform of the prosecution system will take effect in October. A serious crimes investigation agency and an indictment agency will replace the current structure. The reform will separate investigative and indictment powers. This represents a sweeping judicial reform aimed at curbing the prosecution’s authority.
The unresolved cases surge affects victims waiting for justice. Criminal cases may face longer delays before reaching resolution. The special counsel probes show no signs of concluding soon. Regular prosecutors must handle increasing workloads with fewer colleagues. The new agencies may face their own staffing challenges during transition. Judicial reform advocates argue the changes are necessary despite short-term pain.
Critics worry that the unresolved cases surge could undermine public trust in the justice system. Lawmakers may need to consider interim measures to address the workload imbalance. Additional funding or temporary staffing could help bridge the gap until October. Reform implementation will determine whether the unresolved cases surge continues.
