This year, significant changes are continuing in the government organization and judicial system. Since the point of contact or the relevant ministry changes, this affects where documents are submitted. Therefore, I have organized the information focusing on practical aspects.
## 1. Restructuring of the Prosecutors' Office — Launch of the Public Prosecution Service and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (October 2, 2026)
The Prosecutors' Office will be abolished and reorganized into a system comprising the Public Prosecution Service and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.
- Complaints and reports will, in principle, be received by the police. You cannot directly file a complaint with the Public Prosecution Service to request processing.
- If the police do not forward the case, the complainant or others can file an objection within 3 months, after which a prosecutor at the Public Prosecution Service will review it.
From the perspective of an administrative agent — drafting complaints is not originally within the scope of an administrative agent’s work. However, as the point of contact changes, it is good to be aware that the guidance on "where to go first" will change from the perspective of citizens.
## 2. Government Organization Restructuring — The Ministry of Economy and Finance has been divided into two (January 2, 2026)
After 18 years, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has been separated into the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Planning and Budget Agency. This is not just a name change; the relevant authority is also divided, which means the ministry to which documents are submitted will be different.
- Designation and announcement of public interest corporations (formerly designated donation organizations) is under the authority of the Minister of Finance and Economy.
- Authority over the Cooperative Basic Act is organized under the Commissioner of the Planning and Budget Agency.
Caution — The designation ‘Ministry of Economy and Finance’ that appears in old documents or forms is now an outdated designation. It is recommended to update the name of the relevant authority to the latest version when preparing permits and corporate documents.
## 3. Comprehensive Amendment of the Cooperative Basic Act (Enforcement on June 24, 2026)
This is welcome news for those preparing to establish a cooperative.
- Establishment Deemed Approval System Introduced — The provincial/city governor must notify within 20 days (Article 15(2)) and the social cooperative establishment approval must be notified within 60 days (Article 85(4)). If notification is not received within the period, it is deemed to be approved. This is intended to reduce the practice of delayed approvals.
- Introduction of Priority Investment(Article 22(2)) — Cooperatives with a good financial status can issue investments that have priority status in the distribution of surplus funds (detailed requirements require confirmation of the Enforcement Ordinance).
- Heterogeneous Federation Allowed — Cooperatives, social cooperatives, consumer cooperatives, and credit unions can now become members of each other and form a federation of 5 or more.
## In Summary
- Restructuring of the Prosecutors' Office (Public Prosecution Service & Serious Crimes Investigation Agency) 10.2. — Complaints and reports are to be received by the police in principle; file an objection within 3 months if not forwarded.
- Ministry of Economy and Finance → Ministry of Finance and Economy + Planning and Budget Agency split (Public Interest Corporations = Ministry of Finance and Economy, Cooperatives = Planning and Budget Agency)
- Comprehensive Amendment of the Cooperative Basic Act 6.24. Enforcement — Establishment Deemed Approval (20/60 days), Priority Investment, Heterogeneous Federation Allowed.
Organizational restructuring changes "where to submit documents" and "the name of the relevant authority." Using old forms and guidance may result in rejection, so it is recommended to double-check the latest authority and point of contact before preparing.
*This article is an administrative trend guide compiled by Hwang Yun-sang, Administrative Agent, based on publicly available information. The applicability to individual cases requires verification with the relevant authority.*