Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural chief of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency (MCIA), expressed his commitment to swiftly establish the organization to ensure there are no gaps in the nation's response to serious crimes.
On September 8, as he arrived for his first day at the confirmation hearing preparation office in the government complex in Jongno, Seoul, Kim shared his thoughts with reporters about his nomination and plans for the agency's operation.
President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a trip to Europe, nominated Kim as the first chief of the MCIA based on a recommendation from Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung.
Kim stated, "I feel a heavy responsibility being nominated for the newly established MCIA amid significant changes in the criminal justice system. For now, I will diligently prepare for the upcoming confirmation hearing."
He added, "During this critical time, I will do my utmost to ensure the MCIA is established promptly so that the public has no concerns. In particular, I will work hard to prevent any innocent citizens from suffering during investigations." Kim's remarks underscore the urgency of stabilizing the agency and establishing its investigative framework ahead of its official launch on October 2.
However, Kim remained cautious when addressing personal allegations against him and sensitive issues regarding the agency's operational direction.
When asked about the 'non-residential one-household' allegation related to his apartment in Bundang, Seongnam, which he rented out while living in a different area, he responded, "I believe the public may be curious. However, since today is my first day, I prefer not to elaborate."
Regarding the controversy over accepting the MCIA chief position despite opposing the complete removal of prosecutorial investigative powers during his tenure as a prosecutor, he stated, "I will clarify this during the confirmation hearing."
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the agency's political neutrality and investigative independence, stating, "Fairness, neutrality, and procedural justice are crucial aspects for the MCIA," and promised to present specific measures during the hearing.
Starting today, Kim will report daily to the confirmation hearing preparation office as he begins serious preparations for the hearing. The preparation team will be composed mainly of personnel from the MCIA establishment preparation team and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, with support from related agencies such as the prosecution.
Kim, originally from Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do, graduated from Gongju National University of Education and studied law at Sungkyunkwan University. He passed the 38th National Judicial Examination in 1996 and completed the Judicial Research and Training Institute in 1999. He was appointed to the prosecution the same year, starting as a prosecutor at the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office and later serving in various roles, including head of the Inspection Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and chief prosecutor at the Western District Prosecutors' Office in Busan.
In 2020, he was promoted to chief prosecutor and served as the deputy chief prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office. The following year, he became the chief prosecutor at the Chuncheon District Prosecutors' Office and was appointed head of the Criminal Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. In 2022, he was appointed as the deputy chief prosecutor at the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office and left the prosecution in 2023 after nearly 24 years of service.
With extensive experience in investigation, inspection, and trial, Kim's background is seen as a significant asset. After the upcoming National Assembly confirmation hearing, President Lee will make the final appointment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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