South Korea to reduce number of prosecutors as part of reform — Korea Herald

In South Korea, the new Public Prosecution Service, which is due to begin operating on October 2, will initially receive 80–85% of the current legally established number of prosecutors. The reform предусматривает stripping prosecutors of independent powers to conduct investigations, Korea Herald reports.

Cabinet decision

The Ministry of Justice said that the Cabinet approved legislative changes concerning the organization of the Public Prosecution Service and the number of prosecutors. According to the ministry, the opinions collected during the legislative public consultation period from September 4 to 9 were taken into account when preparing the amendments.

The most controversial issue was the number of prosecutors in the new body. It will be set at 80–85% of the 2,292 positions provided for by the current law on the prosecutor quota. The Ministry of Justice also plans to seek a separate amendment to this law in order to further reduce the number of prosecutors.

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Transfer of investigative functions to police

The changes also include an additional reduction in investigative personnel compared with the previously proposed structure, the elimination of three more deputy chief prosecutor-level positions and eight divisions. Certain departments whose names caused controversy will be renamed.

From October 2, police will be responsible for all investigations. Prosecutors will be able to file indictments but will not have independent powers to conduct investigations.