Im Eun-jung, the head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office and a prominent advocate for prosecutorial reform, publicly questioned Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural head of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, about his stance during the investigation into the travel ban of former Justice Ministry official Kim Hak-eui.
On September 17, Im posted on Facebook a public inquiry directed at Kim Ji-yong, stating, "I have consistently communicated my concerns to the Minister of Justice and others via text and email during troubling times. However, considering the gravity of this matter, I must, as a citizen and complainant, make this public inquiry."
Previously, Kim faced pressure to resign due to allegations of favoritism towards pro-Yoon (supporters of President Yoon Suk-yeol) prosecutors and his opposition to the complete abolition of prosecutorial investigative powers. In a statement on September 14, he reflected on the circumstances that led to the abolition of the prosecution, asserting, "My opposition to the reduction of investigative powers was based on a belief in protecting victims, and despite my consistent stance during controversial investigations, it was not upheld."
Im challenged Kim's statement, asking, "What consistent positions did you express during the Channel A case and the investigation into Kim Hak-eui's travel ban, and what efforts did you make to uphold them? Did you exercise your right to object?"
She further questioned, "When concerns about protecting crime victims arose, why was there no action taken when superiors made incorrect decisions during the 'protecting one's own' era in 2018? Were you protecting the victims or the prosecution?"
Im also criticized Kim's accountability, stating, "What responsibility does Kim Ji-yong bear for the loss of public trust that led to the prosecution's abolition? If he could not handle the responsibilities from his past roles as head of the inspection division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, deputy chief of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, and head of the criminal division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, how can he manage the significant responsibilities of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency?"
She added, "During his tenure as head of the inspection division and other prosecutorial roles, he prioritized organizational logic over legal obligations, failing to fulfill his duties of inspection and investigation. If he becomes the head of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, can he comply with the law? This is a question many concerned citizens would like to ask in this public inquiry."
With the launch of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency set for next month, President Yoon Suk-yeol nominated Kim Ji-yong, a former prosecutor, as its first head on September 7. However, following the nomination, controversies surrounding Kim's past actions during his time in the prosecution emerged, leading to increased opposition from within the ruling party. Recently, former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae compared Kim to a 'Nazi' and a 'collaborator,' urging President Yoon to withdraw his nomination.
As the controversy continues, President Yoon has reportedly instructed his staff to conduct further vetting. However, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung stated on September 15 during a National Assembly meeting that Kim's nomination has not been put on hold.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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