The Ministry of the Interior and Safety defended Kim Ji-yong, the candidate for the inaugural chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, stating that he has consistently opposed indictments during his leadership of major cases. This response comes amid various allegations regarding his qualifications and past actions.
Kim Min-jae, the ministry's vice minister and head of the agency's preparatory committee, held a briefing on September 17 at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno, addressing concerns raised by the media and political circles about Kim's qualifications and conduct.
First, Vice Minister Kim clarified the controversy surrounding Kim Ji-yong's involvement in the investigation of the emergency travel ban on former Justice Ministry official Kim Hak-eui, stating, "Of the four individuals indicted, three were already under investigation and charged before Kim Ji-yong took office as head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Division." He added that Kim Ji-yong had expressed opposition to the indictment of the remaining individual during an internal meeting and was not the final decision-maker on the indictment.
Regarding the decision to indict former prosecutor general Han Dong-hoon in a case involving prosecutor Jeong Jin-woong, Vice Minister Kim noted, "While Kim Ji-yong was in the line of command as the deputy chief prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, the investigation was already underway before his appointment, and he clearly expressed his opposition to the indictment from an advisory position."
He also actively refuted the framing of Kim Ji-yong as a 'pro-Yoon (Yoon Suk Yeol) prosecutor' or 'prosecutorial hardliner,' which has been suggested primarily by the ruling party.
Vice Minister Kim explained that Kim Ji-yong's participation in a statement opposing the suspension and disciplinary action against former Prosecutor General Yoon Suk Yeol acknowledged the possibility of misconduct but urged reconsideration of the appropriateness of the disciplinary process. He further clarified that his opposition to the complete removal of prosecutorial investigative powers was not against the reform itself but was concerned about ensuring victim protection and preventing gaps in public safety.
Notably, Vice Minister Kim revealed that after reviewing the records of a criminal complaint against Yoon Suk Yeol's relatives, which had previously resulted in a decision not to indict, Kim Ji-yong deemed the decision unjust and ordered a re-investigation. He interpreted that this principled handling of the case contributed to Kim Ji-yong's reassignment to the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office as a deputy chief prosecutor, effectively a demotion, following the first personnel changes under the Yoon administration.
The briefing was convened as calls for Kim Ji-yong's voluntary resignation have emerged within the ruling party, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's nomination of him on September 7. In light of the controversy surrounding Kim, President Yoon directed additional verification after returning from a trip to France, which delayed the submission of the personnel confirmation request to the National Assembly. This led the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to take the initiative in clarifying the facts and defending Kim Ji-yong.
However, Vice Minister Kim stated, "We will not take the public's concerns lightly," and urged that Kim Ji-yong should directly address his qualifications, capabilities, past conduct, and key issues during the upcoming confirmation hearing, where the National Assembly will conduct a thorough review.
Regarding the delay in submitting the personnel confirmation request to the National Assembly, he noted, "This is part of the president's authority in personnel matters," but added that they are preparing to respond to requests for information and inquiries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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