더불어민주당 is taking steps to redefine the role of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (공수처) as the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (중수청) and the Public Prosecution Service (공소청) are established, altering the criminal justice system. The Democratic Party argues that the agency's limitations necessitate a reduction in its investigative scope to enhance its effectiveness. Conversely, the Anti-Corruption Agency has expressed concerns that excluding high-ranking officials such as the president and members of the National Assembly from its investigations could undermine its original purpose and weaken its oversight capabilities.
On October 7, members of the Democratic Party's National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a forum on the comprehensive restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency.
Kim Gi-pyo, the lawmaker who hosted the forum, pointed out that the number of investigation targets is excessive compared to the agency's size. He stated, "According to the Anti-Corruption Agency Act, the number of prosecutors is around 25, yet the range of investigation targets is extensive. With the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency emerging as an anti-corruption body, it is not a solution to maintain or expand the overlapping targets of the Anti-Corruption Agency."
He added, "It would be more efficient for the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency to conduct investigations while the Anti-Corruption Agency monitors any errors in that process. What is urgently needed now is to reduce the number of investigation targets and allow for thorough investigations."
Lawmaker Kim Dong-a also emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the Anti-Corruption Agency, arguing that it should become a competent investigative body capable of uncovering hidden crimes by high-ranking officials rather than protecting its own. He stated, "It is essential to establish a cooperative relationship where the police investigate prosecutors and the Anti-Corruption Agency handles prosecutions. If such a collaborative system is well established, the Anti-Corruption Agency can fully demonstrate its capabilities."
The Democratic Party is pursuing legislative amendments to narrow the agency's investigative targets to judicial and law enforcement officials. The plan is to exclude the president, prime minister, and members of the National Assembly from the agency's purview while expanding the scope to include not only high-ranking officials but also police officers and investigators from the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.
In response, the Anti-Corruption Agency has voiced its opposition. Park Sang-hyun, the agency's investigation planning officer, warned that reducing the agency's investigative targets would eliminate the possibility of independent oversight of high-ranking officials. He noted, "Both the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the police are under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which could lead to a regression in terms of checks and balances."
He emphasized, "What is needed now is not to lessen the agency's responsibilities but to enhance the system so that it can effectively carry out its assigned duties."
Experts attending the forum also expressed skepticism about the proposed restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency.
Han Sang-hoon, a professor at Yonsei University Law School, questioned, "Should we hastily change such a large national organization? Do you believe the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency is superior to the Anti-Corruption Agency in terms of political neutrality and fairness?" Kim Young-joong, a researcher at the Korean Institute of Criminal Justice and Legal Policy, remarked, "The agency's name itself indicates it is an Anti-Corruption Agency for high-ranking officials. If the investigation targets are reduced, does that align with the purpose for which this organization was created? Then the name of the organization should also be changed."
Yoo Seung-ik, head of the Judicial Monitoring Center at the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, added, "While restructuring the Anti-Corruption Agency is a long-term correct direction, proceeding with changes now without proper evaluation is premature," urging caution in the restructuring process.
The Democratic Party plans to move forward with legislative amendments after gathering public opinion and concluding the National Assembly's audit.
On October 7, members of the Democratic Party's National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a forum on the comprehensive restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency.
Kim Gi-pyo, the lawmaker who hosted the forum, pointed out that the number of investigation targets is excessive compared to the agency's size. He stated, "According to the Anti-Corruption Agency Act, the number of prosecutors is around 25, yet the range of investigation targets is extensive. With the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency emerging as an anti-corruption body, it is not a solution to maintain or expand the overlapping targets of the Anti-Corruption Agency."
He added, "It would be more efficient for the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency to conduct investigations while the Anti-Corruption Agency monitors any errors in that process. What is urgently needed now is to reduce the number of investigation targets and allow for thorough investigations."
Lawmaker Kim Dong-a also emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the Anti-Corruption Agency, arguing that it should become a competent investigative body capable of uncovering hidden crimes by high-ranking officials rather than protecting its own. He stated, "It is essential to establish a cooperative relationship where the police investigate prosecutors and the Anti-Corruption Agency handles prosecutions. If such a collaborative system is well established, the Anti-Corruption Agency can fully demonstrate its capabilities."
The Democratic Party is pursuing legislative amendments to narrow the agency's investigative targets to judicial and law enforcement officials. The plan is to exclude the president, prime minister, and members of the National Assembly from the agency's purview while expanding the scope to include not only high-ranking officials but also police officers and investigators from the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.
In response, the Anti-Corruption Agency has voiced its opposition. Park Sang-hyun, the agency's investigation planning officer, warned that reducing the agency's investigative targets would eliminate the possibility of independent oversight of high-ranking officials. He noted, "Both the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the police are under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which could lead to a regression in terms of checks and balances."
He emphasized, "What is needed now is not to lessen the agency's responsibilities but to enhance the system so that it can effectively carry out its assigned duties."
Experts attending the forum also expressed skepticism about the proposed restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency.
Han Sang-hoon, a professor at Yonsei University Law School, questioned, "Should we hastily change such a large national organization? Do you believe the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency is superior to the Anti-Corruption Agency in terms of political neutrality and fairness?" Kim Young-joong, a researcher at the Korean Institute of Criminal Justice and Legal Policy, remarked, "The agency's name itself indicates it is an Anti-Corruption Agency for high-ranking officials. If the investigation targets are reduced, does that align with the purpose for which this organization was created? Then the name of the organization should also be changed."
Yoo Seung-ik, head of the Judicial Monitoring Center at the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, added, "While restructuring the Anti-Corruption Agency is a long-term correct direction, proceeding with changes now without proper evaluation is premature," urging caution in the restructuring process.
The Democratic Party plans to move forward with legislative amendments after gathering public opinion and concluding the National Assembly's audit.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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