O Dong-woon, head of the Corruption Investigation Agency (CPIA), stated on October 13, "I do not believe proper oversight is possible without direct investigations," expressing his opposition to reducing the agency's role.
During a National Assembly audit of the CPIA held by the Legislative Judiciary Committee, O responded to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Gi-pyo's suggestion that the CPIA's role should shift to monitoring the newly established Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA).
He noted, "While the SCIA has been established, we need to observe how it operates and discuss whether to reorganize functions." He emphasized, "Abolishing the CPIA would lead to various side effects."
O also expressed concern over the ruling party's push to transfer investigations of the president and lawmakers to the SCIA.
In response to a comment from People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun about the potential decrease in investigative independence, O said, "I strongly agree" and called it "a very concerning issue." He added, "Our position is that the CPIA must maintain and develop its role as an independent agency to check power institutions."
Criticism has also been raised regarding the CPIA's perceived lack of vigor in investigating high-ranking officials. Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo questioned O about a case involving Kim Hyun-ji, the chief of the presidential office's first secretariat, to which O replied, "I need to check on that," prompting accusations that the CPIA is not fulfilling its responsibilities.
Joo criticized, "There is a case where Kim has been accused of abusing power related to the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association, yet it seems no action has been taken based on the director's response."
Meanwhile, O announced during the audit that he would push for legal amendments to ensure the principle of checks and balances among investigative agencies, including the CPIA, SCIA, and police.
The proposed amendments are expected to include provisions to incorporate police officers at the rank of superintendent and SCIA investigators at level 4 and above into the CPIA's investigative targets, coinciding with the abolition of the prosecution office and the establishment of the SCIA.
He also plans to expand the agency's personnel, stating, "We will continue to pursue legal amendments to increase the current staff of only 85 and to extend the terms of prosecutors while abolishing the term system for investigators to carry out normal investigative duties."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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