Kim Ji-yong, the candidate for the inaugural chief of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, stated that he will uphold political neutrality and establish a dedicated team to ensure the agency's smooth launch.
On October 8, Kim spoke to reporters at the entrance of the preparation office for the confirmation hearing at the Government Seoul Complex in Changseong-dong, discussing the agency's operational direction.
He emphasized, "First and foremost, we will eliminate the politicization of investigations. I am acutely aware of the numerous issues that arose from targeted and indiscriminate investigations conducted for political purposes in the past, which ultimately led to the abolition of the prosecution service."
Kim further asserted, "The Major Crimes Investigation Agency will firmly maintain political neutrality and independence in investigations, conducting fair and strict inquiries based on law and principles, regardless of political affiliation, to establish itself as a trusted professional investigative body among the public."
He added, "We will not tolerate acts that undermine national order and will rigorously address crimes related to insurrection, corruption, finance, and white-collar offenses without bias."
To facilitate the agency's early establishment, Kim plans to form a dedicated team immediately upon taking office to organize personnel, facilities, and systems, actively recruiting experts from various fields, including former prosecutors, police officers, lawyers, and accountants.
He also stated, "Through the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, we will faithfully implement the principle of separating investigation and prosecution as part of criminal justice reform, ensuring that there are no gaps in protecting vulnerable groups and crime victims."
The National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee is scheduled to hold a confirmation hearing for Kim on October 14. Former Deputy Minister of Justice Ko Gi-young and Kim Ye-won, a representative lawyer from the Disability Rights Law Center, have been selected as witnesses. Im Eun-jung, the head of the Gwangju Major Crimes Investigation Agency, who has opposed Kim's appointment, is not included in the witness list.
On the same day, Im expressed on Facebook, "I believe Kim Ji-yong has issues similar to former Senior Presidential Secretary Bong Wook and former Deputy Minister of Justice Lee Jin-soo, and I am particularly concerned because he is the first chief of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency."
She added, "During the Moon Jae-in administration, the prosecution began to look towards future power rather than the president, who is the appointing authority, and produced President Yoon Suk-yeol. Whether Kim is looking towards the sun or the future power will depend on individual judgments based on their experiences."
Im also noted her disappointment, stating, "I have been summoned multiple times as a witness or reference regarding prosecutors, and I expected to be called as a reference due to my direct involvement, but I am quite disappointed."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.