Yoon Ho-jung sends inspection order on Lim Eun-jung to acting head of Serious Crimes Investigation Agency

[Financial News] 

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung sent an official letter on the 12th to Jeon Jong-min, acting head (deputy chief) of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, ordering an inspection of Lim Eun-jung, chief of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, who publicly criticized Kim Ji-yong, nominee for the agency’s inaugural chief. The Interior Ministry said it believes Lim has continued to engage in inappropriate speech and conduct as a senior public official, and plans to determine whether she violated the State Public Officials Act or other relevant laws and take necessary measures based on the inspection findings.
The Interior Ministry said that day that Lim had continued to engage in inappropriate speech and conduct, including publicly criticizing candidate Kim through social media and other channels. The ministry said Lim failed to exercise the special care expected of a senior public official to avoid causing unnecessary misunderstandings through her words and actions.
The Interior Ministry said strict discipline in public service is needed to ensure the stable establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, launched this month, and to establish its work systems. The ministry believes Lim’s public criticism could run counter to the duty of senior public officials to maintain dignity.
The inspection will determine whether Lim’s remarks violated the State Public Officials Act or other relevant laws. 
Whether Lim’s public criticism constituted an expression of opinion permitted for a public official or inappropriate conduct involving the use of her position is also expected to be at issue. Yoon earlier explained that the inspection was ordered because it was necessary to look into whether Lim had tried to use her position to influence the personnel process.
Under Article 6 of the Act on the Organization and Operation of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the Minister of the Interior and Safety has the authority to direct and supervise the agency’s chief and staff. The Interior Ministry plans to take necessary follow-up measures based on the inspection findings.


[email protected] Lee Bo-mi Reporter