On October 6, lawmakers from both parties criticized the government during a National Assembly audit of the Administrative Safety Committee regarding the mid-process launch of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA).
People Power Party lawmaker Park Sang-woong stated, "The SCIA currently has no director, no detention facilities, no computer network, and lacks necessary personnel." He added, "We cannot allow delays and confusion in investigations to harm the public and crime victims due to this premature launch."
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae expressed concern, saying, "It is true that there are worries about whether the significant changes in the criminal justice system after 70 years will adequately protect citizens' rights." He questioned whether the investigation agency could effectively collaborate without proper leadership in place.
The government established the SCIA and the Public Prosecution Service on October 2, following the dissolution of the prosecution office. The police will handle cases not under the SCIA's jurisdiction. However, the positions of the SCIA director, Public Prosecution Service director, and police chief are all currently vacant. The Ministry of Justice, which should lead the smooth establishment of the Public Prosecution Service, also lacks a minister.
People Power Party lawmaker Joo Ho-young pointed out that SCIA Deputy Chief Jeong Jong-min had previously defended individuals associated with the ruling party. Joo questioned, "How can we consider someone neutral when they have such a biased background? Is this just a way to fill the organization with 'my people' during the restructuring?"
In contrast, Democratic Party lawmaker Chae Hyun-il emphasized that the Blue House conducted internal vetting of SCIA director candidate Kim Ji-yong twice, stating, "The confirmation hearing is next week, and we need to ensure it goes smoothly so the SCIA can succeed."
People Power Party lawmaker Park Sang-woong stated, "The SCIA currently has no director, no detention facilities, no computer network, and lacks necessary personnel." He added, "We cannot allow delays and confusion in investigations to harm the public and crime victims due to this premature launch."
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae expressed concern, saying, "It is true that there are worries about whether the significant changes in the criminal justice system after 70 years will adequately protect citizens' rights." He questioned whether the investigation agency could effectively collaborate without proper leadership in place.
The government established the SCIA and the Public Prosecution Service on October 2, following the dissolution of the prosecution office. The police will handle cases not under the SCIA's jurisdiction. However, the positions of the SCIA director, Public Prosecution Service director, and police chief are all currently vacant. The Ministry of Justice, which should lead the smooth establishment of the Public Prosecution Service, also lacks a minister.
People Power Party lawmaker Joo Ho-young pointed out that SCIA Deputy Chief Jeong Jong-min had previously defended individuals associated with the ruling party. Joo questioned, "How can we consider someone neutral when they have such a biased background? Is this just a way to fill the organization with 'my people' during the restructuring?"
In contrast, Democratic Party lawmaker Chae Hyun-il emphasized that the Blue House conducted internal vetting of SCIA director candidate Kim Ji-yong twice, stating, "The confirmation hearing is next week, and we need to ensure it goes smoothly so the SCIA can succeed."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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