Legislation Committee Passes 'Special Prosecutor Extension Bill' Led by Opposition... Criminal Procedure Act Discussions Continue (Comprehensive)

Full Committee Meeting Held on July 15

People Power Party Boycotts and Does Not Attend

On July 15, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly passed a bill to extend the investigation period for the 2nd Comprehensive Special Prosecutor case for a third time. Regarding the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which the Democratic Party of Korea is promoting to abolish prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority, the committee decided to continue further discussions, as opinions were raised that additional measures are needed to protect victims.

On the afternoon of the same day, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a full meeting and approved the “alternative amendment to the Act on the Appointment of Special Prosecutors for the Investigation of Insurrection, Treason, and State Manipulation by Yoon Suk Yeol and Kim Keon Hee.” Lawmakers from the People Power Party did not attend the meeting, citing negotiations over the composition of standing committees as their reason for absence.

The amendment adds the obstruction of audits, such as dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, and leaking official secrets by public officials, to the list of possible investigative targets. It also increases the number of dispatched public officials from 130 to 150. In addition, it allows for up to two extensions of the investigation period with presidential approval, establishes the basis for appointing a lawyer to maintain the prosecution, and creates grounds for viewing and copying previous special prosecutor investigation records.

If the amendment passes the full session, the deadline for the Comprehensive Special Prosecutor’s investigation will be extended from July 24 to August 23.

On July 15, 2026, at the National Assembly, Seo Younggyo, the chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, is tapping the gavel during the full committee meeting held without the participation of the People Power Party. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Meanwhile, at the meeting that day, the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act involving the abolition of prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority was also discussed. Although only lawmakers from the Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party and other members of the ruling bloc attended, there was a series of calls for additional protections for victims.

Kim Namhee, a Democratic Party lawmaker, stated, “The entire nation is watching the debate on the Criminal Procedure Act, and there are an overwhelming number of opinions. If the voices of victims and the socially vulnerable are not fully considered, the Lee Jaemyung administration must take responsibility for any future problems that arise.”

She continued, “We must actively discuss measures for referring all cases of violence against women for indictment and for supplementary investigations in cases involving the socially vulnerable, to provide relief for victims. I also call on the Ministry of Justice to put forward more active opinions.”

Son Sol, a Progressive Party lawmaker, stated, “I agree with the direction to abolish prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority, but ensuring the rights of victims during this process is a significant challenge. While there are many provisions about separating investigation and prosecution functions and curbing the misuse of investigative powers, the aspect of victim protection needs to be much further strengthened.”

She added, “It is difficult to determine how to correct police legal errors or provide relief if a police investigation is lacking. Even if the general direction of the bill is agreed upon, there must be discussion on how to reflect these concerns in the enforcement decree.”

At the meeting, Justice Minister Jeong Seongho emphasized, “If prosecutors’ supplementary investigation authority is abolished, the system for referring all cases for indictment is necessary as a means of maintaining oversight of the police.”

He also stressed, “Most of the cases addressed in discussions on criminal justice system reform involve basic livelihood issues. We will ensure that not a single person is left out or denied proper protection of their rights.”

Seo Younggyo, chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, said, “Prosecutors should perform as prosecutors; the police and the soon-to-be-established Serious Crimes Investigation Agency should function as investigative agencies; and the courts should properly maintain trials. We are reviewing the bill to ensure that the voices of victims are reflected in the process.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.