Prosecutor Gu Ja-hyun Warns Against Abolishing Supplementary Investigation Rights

Acting Prosecutor General Gu Ja-hyun expressed serious concerns on July 29 regarding the proposed abolition of supplementary investigation rights in the criminal procedure law, stating, "If the effective supplementary function of prosecutors disappears, the truth will be concealed, and South Korea's criminal justice system will collapse."

In a statement, Gu said, "As the acting Prosecutor General, I cannot help but feel a heavy heart and deep concern about the ongoing discussions in the National Assembly regarding the abolition of supplementary investigation rights and other amendments to the criminal procedure law."

He emphasized, "As has been confirmed in numerous recent cases, if the effective oversight, supplementation, and correction functions of prosecutors regarding the investigations conducted by primary investigative agencies are eliminated, the truth will be concealed, and South Korea's criminal justice system will collapse. The resulting harm will be borne by the citizens who need the protection of the state the most."

Gu noted that many citizens believe supplementary investigations by prosecutors are necessary, and various sectors, including the legal community and women's and victims' organizations, have consistently expressed concerns. He stated, "The current situation shows that the reforms envisioned by the public should not merely aim to eliminate prosecutorial power but should be directed toward protecting citizens from crime."

He added, "I believe the National Assembly is well aware of this point and I urge them to thoroughly consider what the criminal justice system should be like for the people during the upcoming discussions, including the full committee meeting of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, to ensure that all citizens receive robust legal protection and that no one is left to suffer injustice."

Gu's statement comes as the National Assembly moves forward with the legislative process to abolish supplementary investigation rights.

The Legislative and Judiciary Committee's subcommittee approved the amendment the previous day, led by the ruling Democratic Party. The party plans to finalize the legislation during the full committee meeting and the plenary session on July 30.

The amendment includes the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights and investigative powers, while establishing a right for police to request supplementary investigations and strengthening victim protection procedures. The prosecution has opposed this, arguing that the elimination of supplementary investigation functions would hinder effective oversight and correction of police investigations, potentially leading to harm for the public.