The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA), which has taken over investigative functions from the prosecution, officially launched on October 2. Yoon Ho-jung, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, stated, "Protecting the rights of the most vulnerable is the mission of the SCIA."
During the opening ceremony held at the Renaissance Square in Jung-gu, Seoul, Minister Yoon emphasized that the SCIA has a duty to rigorously investigate serious crimes that threaten democracy and a fair free market. He also noted that it must diligently fulfill its mission to protect the human rights of socially disadvantaged individuals.
Yoon reflected on the turmoil experienced just two years ago, stating, "We painfully experienced how precarious our cherished democracy can be under the attack of extremist forces. Our citizens, as sovereigns, managed to avert that crisis themselves. The people's will was clear: to restore justice in our society and ensure that state power is exercised solely for the people. This demand also contained a stern mandate from the public to properly reform the criminal justice system."
He continued, "The government of popular sovereignty adopted 'completing prosecutorial reform through the separation of investigation and prosecution' as a national agenda from its inception. This aims to separate the investigative and prosecutorial powers that have been monopolized by specific agencies and to ensure that the state's strong investigative authority is exercised in a manner that robustly protects the basic rights and human rights of the people."
Yoon urged the SCIA to operate as an investigative agency that is unwavering in the face of any power or status, adhering strictly to law and principles while focusing solely on the public. He expressed his commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, stating, "As the efforts and concerns we have carried out thus far bear fruit, it is essential for the SCIA, as well as the National Police Agency and the prosecution, to closely cooperate to ensure proper establishment of these principles."
The SCIA will now be responsible for investigating seven major serious crimes, including corruption, economic offenses, defense business violations, drug-related crimes, national security, cybercrime, and legal distortion.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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