DPK to seek vote on bill stripping prosecution of direct investigative powers
Key Takeaways
- •The Democratic Party of Korea planned to push a Criminal Procedure Act amendment that would remove the prosecution’s direct investigative authority.
- •The proposed change would also end prosecutors’ power to conduct supplementary investigations.
- •The bill was presented as part of a wider prosecution reform effort that includes creating two separate agencies for investigations and indictments.
- •The ruling party also aimed to shorten the fast-track bill review period from 330 days to 90 days.
- •The main opposition People Power Party was expected to filibuster both bills, although the DPK and its supporters were likely able to end the filibusters.
South Korea
Politics
DPK to seek vote on bill stripping prosecution of direct investigative powers
Published Jul 30, 2026 9:23 am KST
The Korean prosecution service logo is seen on a door at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seoul's Seocho District on Wednesday. Yonhap
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) was set on Thursday to push for passage of a bill that would strip the prosecution of its direct investigative powers, despite protests from the main opposition party.
The DPK plans to move the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act during a plenary session scheduled for 2 p.m.
If approved, the revision would remove the prosecution's authority to conduct direct investigations, including supplementary investigations.
The move comes as part of a broader prosecution reform push that has already centered on dismantling the prosecution and creating two new agencies, each assigned to handle investigations and indictments, underscoring that the current vote is one piece of a larger legislative effort rather than an isolated measure.
Separately, the ruling party also intends to push for a bill that would sharply shorten the review period for bills designated for fast track from a maximum of 330 days to 90 days, a change aimed at speeding up the legislative process.
The main opposition People Power Party is expected to launch filibusters against both bills in an effort to block their passage.
Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be ended after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of all lawmakers, or 180 members, vote to terminate it.
With support from minor opposition parties and independents, the DPK, which holds 161 seats in the Assembly, is expected to have enough votes to end the filibusters and bring the bills to a vote.