Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, emphasized the importance of political neutrality, stating, "I will conduct independent investigations but will not act unilaterally."
During his inauguration ceremony on October 20 at the agency's headquarters in Seoul, Kim stated, "I will respect democratic oversight as outlined in the Constitution and laws, and I will humbly accept public criticism."
He highlighted that the most important asset for any investigative agency is the trust of the public, promising to conduct investigations fairly based solely on law and evidence, regardless of the identity or status of the subjects involved.
Kim asserted that adherence to the principle of 'procedural justice' is paramount. He explained that following legal procedures is not an obstacle to the efficiency of investigations but rather a necessary foundation for ensuring their legitimacy.
He vowed to thoroughly guard against targeted investigations, separate investigations, and superficial inquiries that have characterized past prosecutorial practices. Furthermore, he emphasized that the success of investigations should not be measured by numerical outcomes such as arrests or indictments, but rather by how accurately the facts are established and how fairly the law is applied.
Kim also outlined plans to enhance the protection of citizens' rights and improve investigative expertise. He stated, "At the center of the criminal justice system must be 'people,'" pledging to listen to the voices of crime victims and vulnerable members of society while ensuring the rights and defenses of suspects are fully protected.
To address increasingly sophisticated and organized serious crimes, he committed to actively utilizing experts in accounting, finance, and information technology, and to establishing a system of accountable investigations that empowers investigators with authority and responsibility. He also expressed a desire to foster an organizational culture that evaluates individuals fairly, regardless of their previous positions or affiliations.
The inauguration ceremony took place 42 days after Kim was nominated as the first chief of the agency on September 8. Following his nomination, various controversies arose, and there was significant opposition to his appointment from some factions within the ruling party. In response, President Lee Jae-myung ordered additional vetting of Kim, and a National Assembly confirmation hearing was held on October 14.
Despite clashes between the ruling and opposition parties over his qualifications, the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee adopted the confirmation report the day after the hearing, and on the same day, President Lee approved the appointment, officially naming Kim as the first chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. The agency had initially planned to hold the inauguration ceremony the previous week, but it was postponed due to scheduling conflicts with the Blue House.
Before the inauguration ceremony, Kim attended a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House, where he met with President Lee.
During the meeting, President Lee urged Kim to tackle serious crimes, including white-collar crimes, corruption, and financial crimes, without bias, stating, "Your task is to address the public's concerns and anxieties in line with the completion of prosecutorial reform."
In response, Kim pledged, "I will work to successfully establish the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and do my utmost to protect the rights of the public."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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