Democratic Party's Public Prosecutor's Office Plan Faces Criticism from Human Rights Lawyer

Lawyer Kim Ye-won argues that stripping the new office of direct investigative powers will weaken the criminal justice system

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A debate is brewing within the Democratic party regarding the scope of authority granted to a newly formed prosecutorial body, the Public Prosecution Office. The party plans to limit the office's investigative powers, sparking criticism from human rights lawyer Kim Ye-won, who argues this move prioritizes political symbolism over practical effectiveness. Kim warns that without direct investigative abilities, the office will struggle to address complex criminal cases and ensure public safety.

Why it matters

The dispute over the Public Prosecution Office's structure reflects a broader tension between prosecutorial reform and maintaining an effective criminal justice system. Critics argue that limiting the office's powers could undermine its ability to hold offenders accountable and protect vulnerable populations, raising concerns about the real-world impact on citizens' daily lives.

The details

The Democratic party plans to strip the new Public Prosecution Office of direct investigative powers, restricting its role to requesting supplemental investigations from existing law enforcement agencies. Party leaders claim this is a symbolic gesture to appease reform-minded voters, but lawyer Kim Ye-won argues it will burden investigative agencies and weaken the office's ability to respond to time-sensitive cases. Kim warns that without the ability to directly verify facts before indictment, the office may have to file flimsy charges or release suspects, undermining public safety.

  • The Public Prosecution Office is slated to begin operations in October 2026.
  • On February 6, 2026, Kim Ye-won posted her criticisms on Facebook.

The players

Kim Ye-won

A human rights lawyer specializing in cases involving vulnerable populations, who has voiced strong concerns about the Democratic party's plan to limit the investigative powers of the new Public Prosecution Office.

Kim Han-gyu

The Democratic party's floor policy chief, who stated that the decision to forgo direct investigative authority for the Public Prosecution Office was driven by a desire to address the 'symbolic' concerns of supporters who advocate for greater prosecutorial accountability.

President Lee Jae-myung

Previously raised concerns about the potential weakening of the ability to respond to cases where the period for pre-trial detention is about to expire.

Representative Robert Garcia

The ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, who stated on January 31, 2026 that 'the DOJ is corrupt. They're corrupt on every major issue in front of this country.'

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

Echoed Representative Garcia's sentiment, calling the Department of Justice 'an illegitimate organization.'

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What they’re saying

“If supplemental investigative authority is eliminated without a plan, the burden will fall entirely on the government and on-the-ground investigative agencies.”

— Kim Ye-won, Human rights lawyer (Facebook)

“Please look at reality. In the past, it used to take six months to reach indictment. Now, it often takes two to three years. The Democratic party can simply make laws and offer platitudes, but those who actually fight crime and are responsible for public safety—what about them?”

— Kim Ye-won, Human rights lawyer (Facebook)

“If you can't directly verify the facts before indictment, you'll either file flimsy indictments or have to release criminals.”

— Kim Ye-won, Human rights lawyer (Facebook)

“Even if you can't receive records, how is that possible? You can't hold anyone accountable for simply offering advice. Instead, it will be used as a tool for shifting responsibility.”

— Kim Ye-won, Human rights lawyer (Facebook)

“The criminal justice system is the basic infrastructure of the state, directly affecting the daily lives of all citizens. It must be judged based on the actual harm that citizens will experience, not on symbolism and political appearances.”

— Kim Ye-won, Human rights lawyer (Facebook)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the tension between the Democratic party's desire for prosecutorial reform and the need to maintain an effective criminal justice system. Limiting the investigative powers of the new Public Prosecution Office could undermine its ability to hold offenders accountable and protect public safety, raising concerns about the real-world impact on citizens' daily lives.