Ministry of Interior and Safety launches Serious Crime Investigation Office

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety officially launched the Serious Crime Investigation Office (SCIO) on October 2, 2026, replacing the abolished prosecution service after 78 years, kookje.co.kr reported. The agency opened its doors at its headquarters in the Rnesquare building in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, with senior officials gathering for a morning signboard-unveiling ceremony at 10:00 a.m.

Yoon Ho-Jung Emphasizes State Accountability During SCIO Launch

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung addressed attendees during the opening ceremony by emphasizing that the division of investigation and prosecution must not dilute state accountability. He stated that institutions must maintain a cooperative framework from the start of a case to its conclusion without gaps. Yoon also stated that the launch of the SCIO does not mark the end of reform, noting that changing the system does not automatically complete reform and that what matters is ensuring the new system operates according to its original intent and brings practical changes to people’s lives.

Contrasting that administrative demand, inaugural SCIO Deputy Chief and Acting Head Jeon Jong-min expressed a heavy sense of responsibility rather than celebration during a historic turning point for the criminal justice system. Jeon declared that the SCIO will treat restraint as its paramount principle, pledging to learn from past institutional errors rather than repeat them under a new banner. He further promised that the agency will remain firm in the face of major crimes while exercising boundless caution before citizens’ freedom and rights, and emphasized maintaining political neutrality and investigative independence.

SCIO Takes Jurisdiction over Major Crimes and Officials

Under the restructuring, the former prosecution service was dissolved on October 1, 2026, leaving indictments to the newly formed Public Prosecution Office and major crime investigations to the SCIO. The SCIO’s investigative jurisdiction covers corruption, economic crimes, defense acquisition fraud, narcotics, insurrection, foreign exchange offenses, cybercrimes, and law-distortion crimes. It also holds jurisdiction over crimes committed by officials from the Public Prosecution Office, the police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, and court personnel.

The agency began operations under immediate public demand, receiving approximately 10 complaints and accusations even before the opening ceremony concluded.

SCIO Launches with 1,900 Personnel

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced seven grade-1 investigators on October 1, 2026, covering the SCIO deputy chief and regional office heads. Grade-2 and lower-tier investigator appointments are scheduled for release later on the day of the opening. The agency is launching with approximately 1,900 personnel—representing about 66.1 percent of its authorized 2,874-person quota—with plans to recruit additional staff incrementally.