The Major Crimes Investigation Agency has officially begun an investigation into Im Eun-jung, the Gwangju regional chief, who has been critical of Kim Ji-yong, the agency's nominee for chief.
On October 12, the agency announced that it received a directive for the investigation from Yoon Ho-joong, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, and immediately instructed Heo Seong-hwan, the acting chief of the investigation office, to proceed with the inquiry. The agency plans to conduct a thorough and swift investigation in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
This investigation will be carried out under Chapters 7 and 10 of the National Public Service Act, the Public Servant Disciplinary Regulations, and the regulations for handling public servant misconduct cases. With the official receipt of the minister's directive, the investigation is set to commence. This marks the first investigation initiated since the agency's establishment.
Depending on the results of the investigation, if disciplinary action is deemed necessary, the agency will request a disciplinary decision from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in accordance with Article 23, Clause 1 of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency's appointment regulations (for investigators at grade 5 and above).
Following the ministry's request for disciplinary action, a disciplinary committee established under the Prime Minister will make the final decision in accordance with Article 23 of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency Act. Additionally, if circumstances arise that warrant severe disciplinary action (such as dismissal, demotion, or suspension) under Article 73-3 of the National Public Service Act, the appointing authority may also take measures to suspend Im from her position.
During a press conference at the Government Sejong Building on the afternoon of October 12, Minister Yoon explained the background of the investigation directive, stating, "She has made comments that seem to align with certain political claims unrelated to her duties. This could be interpreted as a political act indicating internal support for external political assertions."
Regarding the timeline for the investigation's findings, he noted, "It shouldn't take too long," but clarified that the initiation of the investigation does not meet the criteria for suspension from duty.
Minister Yoon criticized Im, saying, "As the only current chief prosecutor to apply for a special appointment to the agency, I expected her to exercise her investigative authority justly without yielding to external pressure, but she has disappointed me."
He added, "While it is free for a senior official to express personal opinions regarding presidential appointments, attempting to exert influence using her position is inappropriate behavior that does not align with her dignity. We must closely examine her recent inappropriate remarks and actions."
Yoon also addressed the vacancy of the agency's inspector position, stating, "The investigation officer can act in the role of the inspector. The reason for the inspector's vacancy is that it is an externally appointed position. I believe the call for an investigation will expedite the recruitment process for the inspector position."
This investigation was triggered after Minister Yoon publicly criticized Im on Facebook the previous day, stating that she seems to confuse the Major Crimes Investigation Agency with a political institution.
In response, Im expressed her disappointment on Facebook, stating, "It is unfortunate and saddening to become the first subject of investigation by the Major Crimes Investigation Agency. I will handle this with a sense of duty."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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