The conservative opposition criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol on October 22 for his remarks regarding the oversight of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA), calling it a "blatant declaration of investigative control." They argued that his suggestion to relinquish oversight of the SCIA could undermine the political neutrality of investigative agencies.
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, claimed on Facebook that President Yoon was obscuring the issue. He stated, "The authority to oversee administrative agencies and the political neutrality of investigative bodies are entirely separate matters," emphasizing that the attendance of investigative agency heads at Cabinet meetings is a different issue altogether.
Park Jeong-hoon, a member of the People Power Party aligned with the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction, also raised concerns about the President's comments. He questioned on Facebook, "Does this mean that former Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in should have been impeached for not having the Prosecutor General attend Cabinet meetings?" He described the President's remarks as a clear declaration of investigative control over the SCIA, which is supposed to maintain political neutrality.
The People Power Party also criticized President Yoon's use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool Gemini for responses the previous day.
Representative Ahn Cheol-soo stated on Facebook, "Do not disguise security negligence as 'communication.' If AI has been used without prior security procedures, it constitutes a violation of public secrets."
Kim Jae-won, a senior member of the People Power Party, publicly shared a recorded conversation with Gemini during a party meeting. He asked Gemini whether the attendance of the SCIA chief or the National Police chief at Cabinet meetings could undermine public trust in the fairness, political neutrality, and independence of investigations. Gemini responded that the presence of investigative agency heads at meetings attended by the highest authority could raise doubts about investigative independence, suggesting that additional safeguards and a cautious approach are necessary to ensure fairness.
After listening to the conversation, Jang praised Kim for his assertiveness with the President and announced that he would be recognized as the "Outstanding Senior Member of the Day" at the party meeting.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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