As the request for the confirmation hearing of Kim Ji-yong, the first Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, was submitted to the National Assembly, the nominee stated, "If given the opportunity to serve as the Chief, I will do my utmost to embody the spirit of prosecutorial reform."
On October 2, Kim spoke with reporters at the government office in the Changseong-dong annex, where the confirmation hearing preparation office is located. He said, "I will clearly outline my vision, determination, and direction during the confirmation hearing."
He added, "I will dedicate all my capabilities to ensure that the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency is fully equipped to respond to serious crimes and quickly establishes itself as an investigative body that protects citizens' rights and victims."
Kim also mentioned, "I have responses to the concerns raised by the media and others, but I will listen humbly to the voices of the people and prepare diligently for the hearing. I will explain my position in detail to the public during the upcoming confirmation hearing."
In response to questions from reporters regarding being labeled as a pro-Yoon (supportive of Yoon Suk-yeol) prosecutor by some within the ruling party, Kim said, "I will clarify this during the hearing."
Regarding criticisms that preparations for the agency's opening were insufficient from day one, he stated, "I am aware of the situation through various channels and, if given the opportunity to serve as Chief after the hearing, I will promptly address any shortcomings."
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung, who had directed additional scrutiny of Kim amid internal opposition within the ruling party, approved the request for Kim's confirmation hearing on the same day. He then defended Kim on social media.
President Lee shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) that suggested he is favorable towards pro-Yoon prosecutors, stating, "Given that I ordered a re-investigation into the non-indictment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's mother-in-law for witness tampering and was subsequently demoted, it is difficult to definitively label me as pro-Yoon."
He continued, "While I cannot say he is a 100% perfect candidate, he does not appear to warrant the denial of a hearing, given the complex and strict procedures involving public recommendations, the narrowing down by a recommendation committee, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's proposal to the National Assembly for the hearing. I suggest we all observe the results of the hearing together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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