Yoon Ho-jung, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, has ordered an investigation into Im Eun-jung, the Chief of the Gwangju Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, who has publicly criticized Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural head of the agency. This marks the first instance of the minister exercising his supervisory authority over a subordinate since the agency's establishment.
On October 11, Minister Yoon announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he would instruct the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency to begin an investigation into Im, stating, "It seems that Chief Im is confusing the agency with a political organization rather than an investigative one."
Yoon's directive for the investigation is based on Article 6 of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Act, which stipulates that the Minister of the Interior and Safety has general supervisory authority over the agency's head and its staff.
Yoon expressed concern, saying, "Many citizens are worried about the sight of a senior official of a newly established agency, which aims to uphold social justice against public corruption, economic crimes, and drug offenses, preoccupied with criticizing the nominee for the agency's head. I am concerned that past wrong practices of political interference and collective actions from the prosecution may be transferred to the new agency."
He added, "The verification of the nominee for the head of the agency will be conducted by the President, who has the appointment authority, and the National Assembly, which is responsible for the confirmation hearing, in accordance with the Constitution and laws. Upholding discipline regarding actions that are not befitting of a high-ranking public official and the agency's mission is also an important part of the judicial reform mandated by the sovereign people."
Notably, Yoon's order for an investigation comes after a critical message from President Lee Jae-myung directed at hardliners. On October 9, President Lee posted on X, "While pure radicalism may be a problem, it is even more problematic when those lacking ability demand high positions and attempt to manipulate personnel and national policies according to their own wishes, only to resort to radical reform as a justification for internal attacks when things do not go well." Although the President did not mention anyone specifically, political circles interpret this as a message aimed at lawmakers opposing Kim's nomination and Im.
Previously, Im had publicly opposed Kim's nomination, stating on Facebook, "The first head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency should not be someone who should serve as a cautionary tale." She also maintained her stance during a meeting with reporters on her way to work, asserting, "It is a public official's duty and a citizen's right to speak out against what is wrong."
Im's actions have drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers during a recent National Assembly audit of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Representative Jo Eun-hee of the ruling People Power Party pointed out, "It is insubordination and an infringement on the appointment authority for a subordinate to publicly criticize a superior before a confirmation hearing, undermining the organization's discipline and neutrality at its inception." Another member of her party, Park Deok-heum, also raised concerns about the public criticism of internal appointments.
In response to the criticism during the audit, Minister Yoon stated, "Not everything Chief Im said is entirely accurate. I will instruct the Deputy Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency to communicate effectively."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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