South Korea’s National Assembly has approved a landmark bill dismantling the country’s central Prosecutor’s Office, a move hailed by the ruling Democratic Party as a historic step in curbing prosecutorial power. The legislation, passed by 174 votes in favor, one against, and five abstentions, will abolish the Prosecutor’s Office in September next year after a one-year grace period.
Under the revised Government Organization Act, two new agencies will be created to assume its roles: an investigative body for serious crimes under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and a prosecution office under the Ministry of Justice. The Democratic Party framed the change as the culmination of decades of reform efforts, with party leader Jung Chung-rae describing it as a promise fulfilled to the people.
The opposition People Power Party boycotted the vote, condemning the bill as destructive. Floor leader Song Eon-seog argued it would weaken justice by delaying investigations, sparking turf battles, and ultimately harming victims. He dismissed the reform as “a regressive law masquerading as reform.”
Beyond the prosecutorial overhaul, the legislation also reorganizes several ministries. A new Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will take over energy policy, reflecting the administration’s climate focus. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance will be restructured into the Ministry of Finance and Economy, with budgeting authority shifted to a new Planning and Budget Office under the Prime Minister. However, a controversial proposal to dismantle the Financial Services Commission was withdrawn after backlash.
The Democratic Party has also pledged further reforms, including new legislation on media regulation and parliamentary procedure, but the opposition has vowed to resist with more filibusters.
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