South Korea launches scaled-down prosecution, new investigation agency

Under the new system, prosecutors will exclusively handle indictments and the maintenance of indictments against suspects. The SCIA, a newly established agency, will be responsible for conducting investigations into serious crimes, including corruption, defense industry crimes, and insurrection.

However, the reform has encountered pushback due to concerns that it may grant excessive investigative authority to the police. This concern is amplified by recent public scrutiny of the police regarding allegations of misconduct, including a controversial missing person case on Jeju Island.

Critics have also questioned the effectiveness of prosecutors in pursuing indictments without the ability to conduct supplementary investigations. The SCIA commenced operations without a confirmed chief, as President Lee Jae Myung has requested a parliamentary confirmation hearing for his nominee, Kim Ji-yong. Furthermore, the agency is facing potential workforce shortages, starting with approximately 1,900 employees, which is about 66 percent of its authorized staffing level of 2,874.