Parliamentary committee refers bill to scrap prosecution's investigative powers to coordination panel

A bill designed to remove the prosecution's supplementary investigative authority has been advanced to a parliamentary agenda coordination committee in South Korea. The move by the National Assembly's legislation and judiciary committee occurred despite protests from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).

Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyeon has previously expressed significant concern regarding the proposed legislation. The bill, pushed by the ruling Democratic Party (DP), aims to dismantle the prosecution and establish separate agencies for investigations and indictments.

The agenda coordination committee, formed to mediate contentious bills, can deliberate for up to 90 days. However, a vote can be expedited if at least four of its six members support it, allowing the bill to proceed to a standing committee for immediate voting.