Representative Hong Ki-won of the Democratic Party of Korea (DP) officially proposed an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act today (July 14) that would allow for supplementary investigations by the prosecution in exceptional circumstances.

During a press conference held at the National Assembly, Rep. Hong explained the purpose of the bill, stating, "We must now move beyond discussing 'how to weaken the prosecution' and instead focus on 'how to better protect the public.'"

Rep. Hong emphasized, "Creating a system that protects the rights and safety of the public and building a criminal justice system where victims do not suffer unfairly is the direction our prosecution reform should take. This amendment embodies that direction and will serve as a minimal safety net for the people."

The proposed amendment allows the prosecution to conduct supplementary investigations limited to crimes against socially vulnerable groups—such as sexual violence, stalking, abuse of children, the disabled, or the elderly, and domestic violence—as well as crimes that infringe upon the livelihoods of citizens, such as voice phishing or illegal deposit-taking activities.

Additionally, the bill permits supplementary investigations for cases involving detention, cases nearing the statute of limitations, and minor offenses.

Rep. Hong stated that to prevent the abuse of supplementary investigation powers, the bill strictly applies the principle of identity to ensure that supplementary investigations do not expand into separate, unrelated investigations. Furthermore, it requires approval from the head of the regional public prosecutor's office if compulsory investigation measures are necessary during a supplementary investigation.

To strengthen the protection of crime victims, the bill mandates that cases involving investigations initiated by the police, as well as crimes against socially vulnerable groups and livelihood-related offenses, must be referred to the public prosecutor's office.

The bill was co-sponsored by 10 lawmakers, including Go Min-jung, Kwak Sang-eon, Kim Nam-hee, Moon Jin-seok, Mo Kyung-jong, Min Hong-chul, Park Kyun-taek, Park Hee-seung, Lee So-young, and Joo Cheol-hyun.

(Photo: Yonhap News)