Deputy Prime Minister Level Upgrade? New Serious Crime Investigation Agency? The Future of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Amid Government Reorganization

Introduction: The Government Reorganization Landscape

With the National Planning Committee officially launched on June 16, 2025, the new administration under President Lee Jae-myung is accelerating plans for government reorganization. Central to this is the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MoIS), a key government body responsible for disaster management, local governance, and public safety. Discussions about elevating the MoIS to a deputy prime minister-level ministry and establishing a Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA) within it have sparked widespread attention and debate.

Deputy Prime Minister-Level Upgrade for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety

Currently, South Korea has two deputy prime ministers: the Minister of Economy and Finance (Economic Deputy Prime Minister) and the Minister of Education (Social Deputy Prime Minister). A proposal gaining traction in political circles suggests that the Minister of the Interior and Safety should take over the social deputy prime minister role. This would significantly raise the ministry’s status, moving it from 23rd to 12th in the national protocol order and from 9th to 3rd in presidential succession order. The rationale is tied to the increasing importance of disaster safety and the ministry’s broad responsibilities, including government organization, local autonomy, election support, and administrative network management. President Lee has emphasized public safety as a core government task, reinforcing the logic behind this upgrade.

Proposal to Establish the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA)

Alongside the upgrade, the ruling Democratic Party has proposed a bill to abolish the current prosecution system’s combined investigation and prosecution powers. Instead, investigation authority for major crimes would shift to a newly created Serious Crime Investigation Agency under the MoIS, while prosecution powers would move to a separate Public Prosecution Service under the Ministry of Justice. The SCIA would handle investigations of eight major crime categories, including corruption, economic crimes, election crimes, and large-scale disasters. This separation aims to enhance checks and balances within the criminal justice system but also raises concerns about power concentration within the MoIS.

Community and Expert Reactions: Support and Concerns

Online communities such as Naver and Tistory have shown mixed reactions. Many express optimism that elevating the MoIS could improve disaster response coordination and public safety management. Representative comments highlight the potential for stronger leadership in crisis situations. However, there is also notable apprehension about excessive centralization of power, with critics warning that expanding the MoIS’s authority could overshadow local governments and create bureaucratic bloat. Academics echo these concerns, noting that adding the SCIA under the MoIS alongside the existing National Police Agency’s investigative functions risks creating an overly powerful and unwieldy organization.

Cultural and Political Context

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety holds a unique place in Korean governance, traditionally overseeing local governments and disaster management—a critical area in a country prone to natural disasters and complex urban challenges. The proposed reorganization reflects President Lee’s broader political agenda prioritizing safety and administrative efficiency. This move also aligns with public demand for clearer separation of powers within the prosecution system, a long-standing issue in South Korean politics. Understanding this context is crucial for international observers to grasp the significance of these changes beyond mere bureaucratic reshuffling.

Next Steps and Outlook

The National Planning Committee will spend the next 60 days prioritizing and detailing the government’s agenda, including the organizational reform plans. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has stated that no formal discussions about the deputy prime minister upgrade have taken place yet and that any reorganization proposals will undergo thorough consultation before finalization. As the government moves forward, the balance between strengthening public safety leadership and preventing excessive centralization will be a key challenge. The unfolding debate will be closely watched by policymakers, experts, and the public alike.