Unexpected Turnout: Over 100 Prosecutors Apply for Major Crime Investigation Agency Positions

With more than 100 prosecutors reported to have applied for special appointments to the Major Crime Investigation Agency, set to be launched in October, a surprisingly high turnout is being noted within the prosecution service.

The preparation team for the launch of the Major Crime Investigation Agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety accepted applications for special appointments from prosecutors and investigators affiliated with the prosecution service from the 7th until yesterday.

It is reported that over 100 prosecutors applied for the special appointments. Considering the current total of about 2,000 prosecutors, this means roughly 5 percent of all prosecutors have applied.

In particular, reports indicate that many applicants include senior prosecutors equivalent to chief prosecutors from the 36th and 37th classes of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, as well as senior deputy chief prosecutors with over 10 years of experience who would not face a demotion in rank.

In the early stages of the recruitment, there were negative reactions regarding the prospect of prosecutors, who receive Grade 3 public official treatment from the time of their appointment, moving to Grade 4 investigator positions.

However, analysts suggest that the number of applicants increased due to considerations such as the ability to maintain their careers by leading investigation teams at the agency and future prospects like opening a private law practice after retirement.

One senior deputy chief prosecutor said, "After applications closed, I asked around and found that quite a few prosecutors from general criminal divisions also applied," adding, "Some prosecutors who have built up investigative experience applied because places to utilize that experience are disappearing, while others likely chose the agency as a stepping stone while contemplating resignation."

At the same time, because a period for withdrawing applications still remains, some applicants reportedly plan to submit their applications first and make a final decision after learning more about the selection of the agency head or the application rates by rank.

Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.