Lee calls for cautious approach to prosecution reform amid hard-line DP push | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Monday called for a measured and strategic approach to the ongoing prosecution reform to ensure it achieves its intended purpose, responding to hard-line calls within the ruling Democratic Party (DP) for sweeping changes to the prosecution system. Their proposals include renaming the prosecutor general as the "chief of the indictment agency" in line with plans to transform the prosecution service into a body focused solely on indictments. "The separation of investigation and prosecution, as well as the exclusion of the prosecution from investigative authority, has already been confirmed as a national policy task and is irreversible," Lee wrote. "It is difficult to understand why the title of prosecutor general should be changed to 'chief of the indictment agency,' which could leave room for controversy over its constitutionality." President Lee Jae Myung delivers an address during a ceremony marking the 66th anniversary of March 15 democracy movement in the southeastern city of Changwon on March 15, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Under a government reorganization bill passed by the National Assembly last September, two new agencies -- an investigative body and an indictment agency -- are set to be launched in October. While Lee has signaled a more cautious and gradual approach to institutional reform, some DP lawmakers have opposed the government's plan to allow the indictment agency to request further investigations from police or conduct limited probes when necessary. Korea holds parliamentary elections prev Lee calls for cautious approach to prosecution reform amid hard-line DP push Next Lee calls for cautious approach to prosecution reform amid hard-line DP push

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By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Monday called for a measured and strategic approach to the ongoing prosecution reform to ensure it achieves its intended purpose, responding to hard-line calls within the ruling Democratic Party (DP) for sweeping changes to the prosecution system.
Lee made the remarks on his social media account on X, as some hardliners in the DP have been pushing for far-reaching reforms aimed at sharply curbing prosecutorial powers. Their proposals include renaming the prosecutor general as the "chief of the indictment agency" in line with plans to transform the prosecution service into a body focused solely on indictments.
"The separation of investigation and prosecution, as well as the exclusion of the prosecution from investigative authority, has already been confirmed as a national policy task and is irreversible," Lee wrote. "It is difficult to understand why the title of prosecutor general should be changed to 'chief of the indictment agency,' which could leave room for controversy over its constitutionality."
President Lee Jae Myung delivers an address during a ceremony marking the 66th anniversary of March 15 democracy movement in the southeastern city of Changwon on March 15, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Under a government reorganization bill passed by the National Assembly last September, two new agencies -- an investigative body and an indictment agency -- are set to be launched in October.
While Lee has signaled a more cautious and gradual approach to institutional reform, some DP lawmakers have opposed the government's plan to allow the indictment agency to request further investigations from police or conduct limited probes when necessary.
He also opposed claims that all prosecutors should be dismissed and selectively reappointed after screening, saying such measures could provide opponents with grounds for counterattack, especially as the criteria for reappointment remain unclear.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Lee calls for cautious approach to prosecution reform amid hard-line DP push
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Lee calls for cautious approach to prosecution reform amid hard-line DP push

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Their proposals include renaming the prosecutor general as the "chief of the indictment agency" in line with plans to transform the prosecution service into a body focused solely on indictments. "The separation of investigation and prosecution, as well as the exclusion of the prosecution from investigative authority, has already been confirmed as a national policy task and is irreversible," Lee wrote. "It is difficult to understand why the title of prosecutor general should be changed to 'chief of the indictment agency,' which could leave room for controversy over its constitutionality." President Lee Jae Myung delivers an address during a ceremony marking the 66th anniversary of March 15 democracy movement in the southeastern city of Changwon on March 15, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Under a government reorganization bill passed by the National Assembly last September, two new agencies -- an investigative body and an indictment agency -- are set to be launched in October.
- He also opposed claims that all prosecutors should be dismissed and selectively reappointed after screening, saying such measures could provide opponents with grounds for counterattack, especially as the criteria for reappointment remain unclear. ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Ruling party seeks passage of bills adjusting role of new investigation agencies this week Lee vows to push through reform agenda at dinner with ruling party freshmen (2nd LD) Judicial reform laws take effect allowing constitutional appeals of court rulings, punishment for 'legal distortion' Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects Keywords #Lee #prosecution Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- OK By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Monday called for a measured and strategic approach to the ongoing prosecution reform to ensure it achieves its intended purpose, responding to hard-line calls within the ruling Democratic Party (DP) for sweeping changes to the prosecution system.
- Their proposals include renaming the prosecutor general as the "chief of the indictment agency" in line with plans to transform the prosecution service into a body focused solely on indictments. "The separation of investigation and prosecution, as well as the exclusion of the prosecution from investigative authority, has already been confirmed as a national policy task and is irreversible," Lee wrote. "It is difficult to understand why the title of prosecutor general should be changed to 'chief of the indictment agency,' which could leave room for controversy over its constitutionality." President Lee Jae Myung delivers an address during a ceremony marking the 66th anniversary of March 15 democracy movement in the southeastern city of Changwon on March 15, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Under a government reorganization bill passed by the National Assembly last September, two new agencies -- an investigative body and an indictment agency -- are set to be launched in October.
- While Lee has signaled a more cautious and gradual approach to institutional reform, some DP lawmakers have opposed the government's plan to allow the indictment agency to request further investigations from police or conduct limited probes when necessary.
- He also opposed claims that all prosecutors should be dismissed and selectively reappointed after screening, saying such measures could provide opponents with grounds for counterattack, especially as the criteria for reappointment remain unclear. ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Ruling party seeks passage of bills adjusting role of new investigation agencies this week Lee vows to push through reform agenda at dinner with ruling party freshmen (2nd LD) Judicial reform laws take effect allowing constitutional appeals of court rulings, punishment for 'legal distortion' Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects Keywords #Lee #prosecution Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, lee, prosecution topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 634.