South Korea legal overhaul will dismantle the current Prosecutors’ Office and divide its powers between two new agencies. Furthermore, President Lee Jae Myung’s administration aims to implement this reform to rebalance the justice system and curb potential abuses. In addition, lawmakers and officials emphasize that proper restructuring is essential to prevent unchecked prosecutorial authority. The reform follows years of debate over combining investigation and indictment powers, and authorities argue it aligns South Korea with practices in other democracies.
The amendment separates investigation and prosecution functions. A newly created investigative agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety will handle criminal investigations. Meanwhile, a new prosecution office under the Ministry of Justice will focus solely on indictments. Lawmakers plan to vote on the proposal at the National Assembly plenary session. Therefore, officials stress that the legal reform will improve transparency, efficiency, and fairness in criminal cases.
The overhaul extends beyond the justice system. Responsibility for energy policy will move from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to a newly restructured Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. In addition, the Korea Communications Commission will dissolve, with broadcasting functions absorbed into a new Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission. Moreover, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance will become the Ministry of Finance and Economy, while budget and fiscal functions shift to a new Planning and Budget Office under the Prime Minister’s Office.
Financial regulators will also see changes. The Financial Services Commission will split into a Financial Supervisory Commission focused on market oversight. At the same time, the financial consumer protection bureau will become a standalone agency. These measures aim to strengthen oversight and improve protections for citizens. As a result, officials note that coordinated reforms across agencies will support South Korea’s economic stability and complement the broader government overhaul.
The legal reform has sparked strong debate. Critics argue the changes reduce prosecutorial power needed to fight serious crimes. However, proponents, including the ruling Democratic Party, highlight the need to prevent excessive influence and ensure fairness. In addition, past progressive administrations attempted similar reforms, while conservative parties warned that changes could undermine law enforcement. Therefore, officials continue public discussions to address concerns and ensure smooth implementation.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok assured that the amendment, alongside labor safety and disaster response plans, will advance as legislation. Moreover, government leaders emphasize that citizens should feel reassured by the reforms. Coordination between ministries and agencies will help South Korea implement the overhaul efficiently. Analysts predict that separating investigation from indictment will fundamentally reshape the justice system, strengthen public trust, and fulfill the goals of the South Korea legal overhaul.
The South Korea legal overhaul represents a historic shift in the government’s approach to law and governance. By creating specialized agencies, the administration hopes to balance power, improve accountability, and modernize the justice system. In addition, officials continue to monitor public feedback and adjust implementation strategies as needed.
