South Korea Prosecutor’s Office powers will be split after the National Assembly approved a landmark bill. Moreover, the legislation restructures several government ministries to improve efficiency. Consequently, the reforms mark a key achievement for President Lee Jae Myung’s reform agenda.
The National Assembly voted 174 to one to approve the amendment to the Government Organization Act. In addition, five lawmakers abstained, with 180 participating in total. Therefore, the Prosecutor’s Office will formally dissolve after a one-year grace period, transferring investigative and prosecutorial powers to two new agencies.
The legislation establishes an investigative agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for serious crimes. Meanwhile, a prosecution office under the Ministry of Justice will handle indictments. Together, these bodies assume the functions previously concentrated in the Prosecutor’s Office. Consequently, the reforms aim to enhance accountability and reduce concentrated power.
The main opposition People Power Party boycotted the vote after ending its filibuster. Furthermore, their filibuster protested what they called a harmful dismantling of the Prosecutor’s Office. Party floor leader Song Eon-seog warned that the bill could delay investigations, create turf battles, and harm victims.
Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae praised the legislation, calling it the culmination of decades-long efforts. Moreover, he said the bill fulfills a promise to the people and represents a historic shift in prosecutorial reform. Consequently, supporters view the reform as a major step toward modernizing South Korea’s legal system.
Other parts of the bill reorganize ministries to align with policy priorities. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy transfers energy policy to the newly expanded Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. In addition, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance becomes the Ministry of Finance and Economy, while fiscal planning moves to a new Planning and Budget Office under the Prime Minister’s Office.
One proposal to dismantle the Financial Services Commission was dropped after pushback. Therefore, the commission overseeing banking and securities remains intact. Moreover, lawmakers agreed not to split policy and supervisory functions or create a new Financial Consumer Agency.
The Democratic Party also plans new legislation for broadcasting regulation, National Assembly procedures, and testimony and appraisal laws. However, the People Power Party intends to filibuster each measure, signaling ongoing political contention.
Overall, the South Korea Prosecutor’s Office reform reshapes the government’s structure and legal framework. Furthermore, it demonstrates the administration’s determination to decentralize power while improving governance and efficiency.
