Politics · South Korea · 4 hrs ago
South Korea’s new criminal justice system faces a chaotic first month
South Korea separated criminal investigations from prosecutions when a revised law took effect on October 2, closing the prosecution service after 78 years.
Under the new system, police handle most cases, while the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency investigates seven categories of serious crime and the new prosecution office handles charges and trials.
The new agency is not yet fully equipped: after its first month, it had about 1,900 of 2,874 planned staff, and its digital case system has only basic functions.
The agency recorded three cases sent to prosecutors and five suspects detained nationwide by October 30, with most activity in Seoul.
Police investigators are also dealing with more work, while unclear responsibilities have led to cases being transferred between agencies and more requests for additional investigation.
These problems are delaying cases and causing uncertainty for people involved in criminal proceedings.
The agency says it expects to build up its staff and facilities by next year, while its own digital system may take about three years to complete.
South Korea’s criminal justice system separated investigations from prosecutions on October 2, closing the prosecutors’ office after 78 years.
Reports from the system’s first month describe confusion over which agency handles cases, frequent transfers and requests for further investigation, and delays.
The new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency has incomplete staffing, facilities and computer systems.
The agency reported three cases referred for prosecution and five suspects arrested nationwide during its first month.
A criminal lawyer interviewed by OhmyNews criticized the reform, while the Yonhap report described operational problems at police and the new agency.
- Who
- South Korea’s police, the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the Public Prosecution Office and other investigative bodies.
- What
- The country’s new system separating investigation from prosecution has faced reported confusion and operational problems in its first month.
- When
- The revised Criminal Procedure Act took effect on October 2, 2026. The articles describe the first month of operation.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The system was reorganized to separate investigation and prosecution powers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The revised Criminal Procedure Act took effect, ending the prosecutors’ office and separating investigation from prosecution.
The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency reported three cases referred for prosecution and five suspects arrested nationwide.
Yonhap reported the agency’s nationwide case and arrest figures as of this date.
- System change
- Investigation and prosecution separated
- Law took effect
- October 2, 2026
- Agency cases referred
- 3 nationwide in the first month
- Suspects arrested
- 5 nationwide in the first month
- Agency staffing
- About 1,900 of 2,874 authorized positions were filled at launch
3 sources
What people are saying
The situation is completely chaos right now.
Investigation is possible even now.
We expect to expand all our physical and human infrastructure around next year.