Kim Ji-yong, Nominee for Serious Crime Investigation Agency Chief: "I Strongly Support Separating Investigations and Indictments... I Will Fully Explain My Position" (Comprehensive)

[Financial News] Kim Ji-yong, nominee for commissioner of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, explained his past calls for supplementary investigations by the prosecution, saying, "It was not for the prosecution." He expressed strong support for the principle of separating investigations and indictments and said he was not close to any particular individual.
At a doorstepping session held on the 14th at the personnel hearing preparation team in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kim Ji-yong said, "I am deeply reflecting on the fact that the prosecution, where I served, lost the public's trust and ultimately came to face abolition." He added, "I strongly support the fundamental principle of criminal justice reform: separating investigations from indictments."
Regarding his past calls for supplementary investigations by the prosecution, he said, "That was not out of concern for the prosecution, but because of my concern and conviction that there should be no gap in protecting crime victims." He added, "Now is the time to respect the legislative intent of the National Assembly and successfully establish the Serious Crime Investigation Agency."
He also rejected allegations that he was close to a particular political faction. Kim Ji-yong emphasized, "I was demoted in the first prosecutorial personnel reshuffle after the Yoon Suk Yeol administration took office, and I retired in September 2023, about a year later." He added, "During my service in the prosecution, I was never classified as being close to any particular person, nor did I ever receive benefits for that reason."
Regarding reports that Cheong Wa Dae had recently begun additional vetting of him, he said, "I do not know the details," but added, "I will fully explain and substantiate my position. If the verification process is carried out, the facts will come to light."
Kim Ji-yong also denied allegations that he improperly intervened in the case involving Jin-Woong Jeong, then a senior prosecutor, who was accused of assault in the course of official duties during an investigation into alleged collusion between prosecutors and the media, as well as in the case involving a travel ban imposed on Kim Hak-eui, the former Vice Minister of Justice.
He said he was not involved in the investigation into the alleged collusion between prosecutors and the media. Regarding the case involving Jin-Woong Jeong, he explained that "it is true that I became involved while serving as deputy chief prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office," but said, in essence, "I clearly stated my opinion at the time and maintained the same position consistently."
Some members of the ruling bloc had previously raised concerns about Kim Ji-yong's record, including his confrontation with Choo Mi-ae, then minister of justice, when he was a senior prosecutor and his opposition to efforts to reduce the prosecution's investigative powers. Cheong Wa Dae was subsequently reported to have begun additional vetting of Kim Ji-yong.
[email protected] Choi Eun-sol Reporter