The Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA) is set to officially launch this coming October. In the legal community, it is widely analyzed that how many experienced prosecutors and investigators are absorbed into the SCIA will be the core determinant of the nascent organization's successful soft landing.

Given that the prosecution has long led special investigations, the prevailing view is that an influx of top prosecutorial talent is essential for the SCIA to establish itself stably. However, two predictions coexist: one forecasts that mass transfers will be difficult due to the burden of switching to the status of judicial police officers, while the other predicts a surge in applicants seeking to build their resumes for advancement into major law firms. Regarding staffing, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety recently stated during a report to the presidential office that if the SCIA falls short of its staffing quota, it will hire external experts such as accountants and lawyers.

The SCIA Preparatory Office is holding appointment briefings at 18 high prosecutors' offices and district prosecutors' offices nationwide until the 12th, and is accepting applications for appointments and recruitment notices from the 7th to the 20th. Until April 30 of next year, prosecutors and prosecution investigators wishing to transfer to the SCIA can be appointed without a separate hiring exam. Earlier, on the 5th, briefings were held at the Busan District Prosecutors' Office and High Prosecutors' Office, the Changwon and Jeju District Prosecutors' Offices, and the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office and High Prosecutors' Office.

Among prosecutors, reactions indicate that they can only decide on a transfer if specific treatment and benefits are presented, such as rank, position, work methods, study abroad opportunities, and regional assignments. According to the organizational structure proposed by the SCIA, those at the level of district prosecutor chief will be appointed as Grade 1 investigators; deputy chief and senior prosecutors as Grade 2; those with 10 or more years of legal experience as Grade 3; and those with less than 10 years as Grade 4 investigators. Accordingly, senior and deputy prosecutors as well as district prosecutor chiefs will all assume the title of investigator, meaning they will hold the status of judicial police officers.

Some prosecutors pointed out, "While it is an appointment with Grade 3 treatment, for prosecutors with less than 10 years of experience, it is effectively a demotion in rank," adding, "From the perspective of junior prosecutors, there is no reason to put down the prosecutor title and choose to become an investigator." On the other hand, another prosecutor stated they would consider transferring to the SCIA, noting, "Gaining experience at the SCIA could be helpful for retiring and advancing to a major law firm later." In fact, there are observations that senior prosecutors in relatively less prominent departments, such as regional high prosecutors' offices or the Major Economic Crimes Investigation Division, may apply, or that retired lawyers may seek re-employment there. Prosecution investigators may also consider transferring, preferring to work in investigative departments; however, investigators in general criminal divisions are taking a cautious stance, saying they will make their decisions only after specific treatment and compensation conditions are disclosed.

Meanwhile, internal backlash within the prosecution ahead of the SCIA's launch has also surfaced. Recently, a post on the prosecution's internal network written by a 14th-year investigator surnamed Kim, targeting Rep. Kim Yong-min of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has led prosecutorial reform, became a hot topic. Investigator Kim criticized the move, saying, "Rep. Kim made personal attacks on ordinary frontline employees," and expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "Instead of pointing out the prosecution's problems, I am displeased by remarks targeting people who are just doing their work." This was in response to Rep. Kim's remarks the previous day on social media, where he stated, "I warn the prosecutors' office employees," and added, "Any words or actions claiming the law is wrong should be saved for after you retire and join the People Power Party."