Yoon Ho-jung: Lim Eun-jung “mistakes SCIA for a ‘political institution’”; orders inspection

[Financial News] Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung on the 11th ordered an inspection of Lim Eun-jung, chief of the Gwangju District Serious Crime Investigation Agency, who has publicly criticized Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to become the first head of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA).
Yoon wrote on his X account that day, “I will instruct the SCIA to begin an inspection of Lim Eun-jung, chief of the Gwangju District SCIA.” He went on to criticize Lim, saying “Lim seems to mistake the SCIA for a political institution rather than an investigative agency.”
He said, “Many citizens are watching with concern as an executive of an agency being established to uphold justice in our society by tackling public-sector corruption, economic, cyber and drug crimes, among others, becomes preoccupied with criticizing the nominee for SCIA chief.” He added, “I am concerned that the Prosecutors’ Office’s past bad practices, such as political interference and collective action, may be carried over to the SCIA,” and said, “The nominee for SCIA chief will be vetted in accordance with the Constitution and the law by the president, who has the authority to appoint, and the National Assembly, which is responsible for the confirmation hearing.”
Yoon stressed that restoring discipline at the SCIA in response to conduct unbecoming the dignity of senior public officials and the agency’s mission is also part of prosecution reform.
Article 6 of the Act on the Organization and Operation of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency stipulates that the Minister of the Interior and Safety generally directs and supervises the head of the SCIA and its employees. However, with regard to specific cases, the minister may direct and supervise only the SCIA chief.
Lim had previously publicly criticized Kim, citing cases he handled when he was a prosecutor and his inspection work, among other things. On her way to work on the 6th, she said, “I believe that saying something is wrong when it is wrong is a public official’s duty, and also a citizen’s duty and right.”
On the 18th of last month, she said that if she were summoned as a witness or a reference witness to Kim’s confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, she would cooperate fully and convey concerns from within and outside the Prosecutors’ Office.
[email protected] Lee Bo-mi Reporter