Story perspectives

Criminal-justice overhaul takes effect, shifting power to police

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 10:55 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Lee Jae-myung pushed through a sweeping criminal-justice overhaul.
The revised law took effect on Friday, shifting most investigative powers to police.
Prosecutors now mainly decide indictments while a new Prosecution Service and Serious Crimes Investigation Agency handle cases.
A Gallup Korea poll in August showed 50% opposition and Lee’s approval fell below 40%.
Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho resigned and nominee Kim Seung-won withdrew, leaving the post vacant.

History

Historical Context

Mass protests in late 2016 led the National Assembly to vote 234 members for President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment; the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the decision on 10 March 2017, removing her from office. A snap presidential election on 9 May 2017 installed Moon Jae-in, whose tenure set the stage for today’s ongoing debate over police-led investigations.

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Story summary

President Lee Jae-myung pushed through a sweeping criminal-justice overhaul.
The revised law took effect on Friday, shifting most investigative powers to police.
Prosecutors now mainly decide indictments while a new Prosecution Service and Serious Crimes Investigation Agency handle cases.
A Gallup Korea poll in August showed 50% opposition and Lee’s approval fell below 40%.
Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho resigned and nominee Kim Seung-won withdrew, leaving the post vacant.

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