South Korea prosecutors expand use of generative AI

Flag of South Korea’s prosecution service. Photo by Asia Today

Feb. 17 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s prosecution service is accelerating development of generative artificial intelligence tools to assist with investigations and trial preparation, including support for drafting indictments, officials said Monday.

The move follows a pilot program by the courts and signals a broader push to integrate AI into the country’s criminal justice system.

According to officials, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office began formal research in 2023 on ways to apply generative AI to case handling. After securing funding last year for an information strategy plan on AI model development, prosecutors are now establishing a phased implementation strategy.

Under the plan, AI models will be introduced into the Criminal Justice Information System beginning in 2027, followed by upgrades in 2028 to expand functionality.

Key areas under review include AI-powered summaries of large case files, issue analysis, structured evidence review and assistance in drafting reports such as indictments.

To address privacy and data security concerns, prosecutors plan to operate the AI models on an internal on-premise network rather than through external cloud systems, aiming to prevent data leaks or misuse of sensitive criminal justice information.

The prosecution service has already introduced an AI-based “similar case investigation document recommendation” feature within its next-generation case management system, using an initial analysis model.

An official at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office said the goal is to enhance transparency and accuracy in case processing, strengthen public trust in criminal justice operations and promote faster resolution of criminal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Korea’s court administration office is piloting a generative AI-based “trial support” system. The tool analyzes judicial data, including Supreme Court precedents and prior rulings, to assist judges and court staff in managing cases.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260217010005301