[Anchor]

With the complete abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation powers looming, the head of the prosecution has publicly opposed the move for the first time, expressing deep concern. Speculation is rising that he may step down if the bill passes the National Assembly plenary session.

Reporter Kim Deok-hyeon has the details.

[Reporter]

As the vacancy in the Prosecutor General post has continued for over a year since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, Koo Ja-hyun, Deputy Prosecutor General at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, has been effectively acting as the chief of the prosecution.

Acting Prosecutor General Koo made his official stance known for the first time this morning (July 29) regarding discussions on the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act.

In particular, Koo clearly expressed his opposition to the total abolition of supplementary investigation powers, stating, "I cannot hide my heavy heart and deep concern."

He emphasized that if effective checks and supplementary measures against primary investigative agencies such as the police disappear due to the abolition of supplementary investigation powers, the burden of crime damage will fall squarely on the public.

Stating that institutional reform should be carried out in a direction that protects the public rather than simply stripping the prosecution of its authority, he asked the National Assembly to deliberate cautiously in the remaining procedures.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office also released a statement pointing out that the prosecutors' fact-checking system included in the revision bill by the Democratic Party cannot be used as evidence in court, making it difficult to resolve the side effects caused by the abolition of supplementary investigation powers.

It is reported that Acting General Koo is also contemplating expressing his intention to resign around the time the revision bill passes the National Assembly plenary session.

Concerns poured out from within the prosecution, with a post on the internal network reading, "It may be hell for victims who need prompt recovery from damages, but it will be a land of opportunity and heaven for corrupt powers and criminals."

Former heads of lawyer associations also issued a statement opposing the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act, stating that the prosecutors' supplementary investigation power is a powerful "safety belt" that prevents unfair damages.

(Video Editing: Kim Ho-jin, Design: Seo Seung-hyun)