Prosecution Reform Task Force: "Head of Gongso Office to Remain as 'Prosecutor General'"

Government Announces Legislative Notice for Gongso Office and Serious Crimes Investigation Office Bills

The name of the prosecution office will be changed to "Gongso Office" (Public Prosecution Office), but the title of "Prosecutor General" will remain unchanged.

The Seoul Supreme Prosecutors' Office building. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On January 12, the Prosecution Reform Task Force under the Prime Minister's Office announced this decision during a press briefing on the Gongso Office and Serious Crimes Investigation Office bills, held at the Government Complex Seoul at 2 p.m.

No Hye-won, Deputy Head of the Prosecution Reform Task Force, stated, "The title of Prosecutor General will remain as is," adding, "The reason is that the Constitution refers to the Prosecutor General, so there is no need to create unnecessary controversy. What matters is substantial reform, and we determined there is no need to change the title."

This is interpreted as an effort to avoid constitutional controversy, given that Article 89 of the Constitution stipulates, "The appointment of the Prosecutor General must be deliberated by the State Council."

Meanwhile, the task force announced its plan to process the bills for establishing the Gongso Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office by February, and expressed its intention to maintain close communication with the National Assembly.