Han Byungdo: "We Will Completely Dispel Even 1% of Public Anxiety... All Efforts Focused on Completing Prosecution Reform"

"We Must Complete the Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act Without Any Setbacks"

Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated regarding the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, including the abolition of supplementary investigative authority by the prosecution, "We will completely dispel even the slightest, one percent of anxiety that the public may feel during this process of institutional change."

On July 21, at the 'Public Hearing on the Amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act for Criminal Justice System Reform for the People,' held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Han said, "The inauguration of the Prosecution Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency in October will be the culmination of this historic journey."

Han Byung-do, acting party leader and floor leader, is giving a speech at the Democratic Party policy meeting held at the National Assembly on July 21, 2026. Photo by the National Assembly press photographers group

He added, "In order to fully achieve the essence of reform, which is the complete separation of investigation and prosecution functions, it is essential to successfully wrap up the final task, which is amending the Criminal Procedure Act without any setbacks." He continued, "We also fully recognize the serious concerns raised in some quarters as we approach the completion of these reforms. However, the reforms we are pursuing are by no means intended to weaken the state's investigative capabilities. Rather, they are part of a process to reorganize and enhance those capabilities to a higher level."

Han emphasized, "The Democratic Party will do its utmost to minimize any gaps in the protection of socially vulnerable groups while also establishing a responsible investigation system without fail. We will carefully design solutions so that these institutional changes leave no gaps for criminals and provide even stronger protection for victims."

He further stated, "The Democratic Party will focus all its efforts on completing a criminal justice system that truly serves the people and thoroughly accomplishing prosecutorial reform. We will ensure that the vigorous feedback from the field and the sharp analyses from academia presented at this public hearing are reflected in our institutions."

He concluded, "From crimes against the socially vulnerable to economic crimes that cause deep suffering among ordinary citizens, we will meticulously examine every provision of the bill to ensure that the state’s investigative capacities do not regress even in the slightest."

The presenters at the public hearing on this day included Chanun Park, professor at Hanyang University Law School; Seungik Yoo, professor at Myongji University; Mungyu Hwang, professor at Joongbu University; attorneys Dongpil Kang and Kyuhyun Kim; and Hyejeong Kim, director of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center.

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