▲ Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho answers questions from reporters during a pre-briefing on the 2026 second-half government policy report at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 5th.
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho stated today (the 5th) that he is "pondering what form to maintain the joint prosecution-police investigation units in."
Minister Jung made the remark while responding to a question regarding the implementation of the revised Criminal Procedure Act—which abolishes prosecutors' direct and supplementary investigative powers—during a pre-briefing on the "2026 Second-Half Government Policy Report" held at the Government Complex Gwacheon.
Minister Jung explained, "There are currently about nine joint investigation units or divisions where the police and prosecutors jointly investigate. Because the prosecution's direct and supplementary investigative powers will disappear starting in October, we are contemplating how to maintain them."
He added, "However, since frontline investigations must be handled by the police, we need to meticulously prepare the upcoming investigative guidelines and related enforcement decrees regarding how the Public Prosecution Service can support legal judgments and consultations."
Minister Jung emphasized, "During the revision process of the Criminal Procedure Act, we continuously mentioned that it would be good to have regulatory grounds for prosecutors to support joint investigations, but that was not reflected. I believe a framework must be established so that prosecutors can support the police with their criminal investigation capabilities, even if they do not conduct direct investigations."
Regarding investigations into violations of the Public Official Election Act related to the June 3 local elections, whose statute of limitations expires on December 3, he stated, "There are no special measures in place."
Minister Jung expressed concern, saying, "More cases have been booked regarding the June 3 local elections than at any time in the past. Amidst this situation, as the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Service are launched, internal reorganization must take place and accumulated cases must be handled. Everyone is working to the bone, and I have deep concerns."
Regarding criticisms that the revised Criminal Procedure Act conflicts with the Special Prosecutor Act, which guarantees prosecutors' investigative powers, he replied, "The Special Prosecutor Act for the National Election Commission allows dispatched prosecutors to investigate through supplementary provisions. After October, the dispatch of prosecutors from the Public Prosecution Service to special counsel teams should no longer happen. I think it is a contradiction."
Regarding the Public Prosecution Service, which is set to launch on October 2, he explained that there will be no significant changes in terms of the existing prosecution organization, personnel, and functions.
Minister Jung said, "There are talks asking whether personnel should be reduced since the prosecution no longer investigates, but that is not the case at all. Even now, the prosecution's rate of self-initiated investigations is not high. More personnel are needed to analyze and process forwarded cases and to maintain indictments."
He added, "Because we must maintain indictments by reviewing only the investigation records handed over from primary investigative agencies, I believe the number of trial prosecutors must increase further."
Regarding a reporter's question on lowering the age limit for criminal minors ( juveniles under statutory age ), he stated that even if the age limit for juvenile delinquents is lowered by about one year, the number will not increase drastically, while adding that discussions will continue with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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