Amendment Expands Authority for Special Prosecutor Cases Including Insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and Fallen Marine
Referred to Legislation and Judiciary Committee's Agenda Coordination Committee on September 4 at People Power Party's Request
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The revised "Stronger Special Prosecutor Act," which significantly expands the investigative authority of the three major special prosecutors (Insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and Marine Corps Death in the Line of Duty Special Prosecutors) and the scope of public trials, has passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee.
On September 4, 2025, at the public hearing on prosecution reform held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Chairwoman Chu Mi-ae is speaking. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On September 4, the committee held a plenary session and, led by the Democratic Party of Korea, approved the amendment. The bill is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly plenary session as early as next week.
The core of the amendment is to mandate the broadcasting of special prosecutor trials and to greatly enhance investigative capabilities. In particular, for the Insurrection Special Prosecutor trial, it requires that the first trial be recorded and broadcast without exception. For the other special prosecutor trials, if there is a request for broadcasting, the court must allow it unless there are special circumstances. The bill states, "Trials for insurrection and treason crimes are directly related to the public's right to know," and emphasizes, "At least for the first trial, broadcasting must be mandatory regardless of whether there is a request."
Additionally, the amendment extends the investigation period for special prosecutors and allows for an increase in the number of investigators and dispatched personnel. Despite concerns from the ruling party about the potential political abuse of special prosecutors, the Democratic Party of Korea maintained its position that "transparency in trials and securing public trust are necessary."
Meanwhile, prior to the plenary session on this day, the amendment was referred to the Agenda Coordination Committee at the request of the People Power Party. The committee can deliberate on contentious bills for up to 90 days, but if at least four out of six members agree, the bill is immediately referred to the full session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Ultimately, as the amendment passed both the Agenda Coordination Committee and the plenary session under the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, it is now on the verge of being enacted.
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