Han Byungdo: "PPP Must Stop Blocking Prosecution Reform and Livelihood Legislation"... Ruling Party to Pass Criminal Procedure Act Revision at Plenary Session

"Separation of Investigation and Prosecution... Responding to the Demand of the Times"

Byungho Han, Acting President and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on July 30 called on the People Power Party to "stop obstructing a working National Assembly and prosecutorial reform," urging their cooperation in passing crucial bills such as the Criminal Procedure Act amendment at the National Assembly plenary session that day.

Byungho Han, Acting President and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on July 30, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

At the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly earlier that morning, Floor Leader Han stated, "Our criminal procedure law will shed its 70-year-old outdated framework and put on new clothes that protect public rights and human rights."

He criticized, "The People Power Party is once again applying for a filibuster, attempting to hinder legislation that serves people's livelihoods and reform. If they disagree with the bills, they should debate openly in the chamber and clarify their position responsibly through a vote."

He continued, "Walking out of the chamber and resorting to filibusters whenever things are unfavourable is not opposition but irresponsibility. Even if the People Power Party continues to block a working National Assembly and prosecutorial reform, the Democratic Party will fulfill the responsibility entrusted by the people."

He also pointed out, "They are stoking public anxiety as if the protective measures for victims have disappeared," and added, "The argument that only prosecutors' direct investigative power can protect the people is a false agitation that disguises prosecutorial authority as public safety."

Regarding the content of the amendment, he explained, "The direct investigative authority of prosecutors will be abolished while, at the same time, mechanisms to monitor police investigations and reinforce victim protection are being strengthened and made more thorough. If a prosecutor requests supplementary investigation, in principle, the police must comply within 1 to 2 months. If there is concern about poor investigation, a higher-level investigative agency can be designated to carry out the supplementary investigation. If corrective measures are not implemented, the case can be transferred to another investigative body."

He further said, "The entire process of investigations and prosecutions will be comprehensively recorded in the criminal justice information system, and in principle, the entire procedure of seizure, search, and inspection will be video recorded. If requested by the suspect or defense counsel, the investigation process will also be recorded to enhance transparency and accountability."

Han also emphasized that victim protection measures have been strengthened. He said, "When the police make a decision not to refer a case for prosecution, they must inform victims about the process for filing an objection. If investigations are unjustly delayed or rights are violated, victims can request replacement of an investigator or additional safeguards. The rights for victims to access investigation records, have interviews with prosecutors, and submit statements in the objection process have all been expanded, and the scope for requesting prosecution in criminal cases involving vulnerable groups has also been broadened."

He concluded, "This amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act responds to the era's demand for the separation of investigation and prosecution. We will ensure the revision is finalized smoothly by October 2 for the stable launch of the Prosecution Service Office and Major Crimes Investigation Service, and we will fulfill public expectations for a new criminal justice system."

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