Kim Ji-yong: “Yoon Suk Yeol and Han Dong-hoon Are Political Prosecutors”; Distances Himself from ‘Pro-Yoon’ Label

[Financial News] Kim Ji-yong, nominee to become the first head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, effectively named former President Yoon Suk Yeol and independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon as “political prosecutors” on the 14th, while distancing himself from allegations that he is a “pro-Yoon prosecutor.”
Nominee Kim was asked at a confirmation hearing before the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee that day by People Power Party lawmaker Park Deok-heum to name political prosecutors who had undermined the prosecution’s political neutrality. “It seems former Prosecutor General Yoon Suk Yeol probably had a significant negative impact,” he replied. When Park then asked whether Han also qualified as a political prosecutor, Kim said, “I think it would be difficult to deny that.”
By contrast, he rejected allegations that he was a “pro-Yoon prosecutor.” In 2020, Kim joined a joint statement by senior prosecutors opposing then-Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae’s disciplinary action against then-Prosecutor General Yoon Suk Yeol. He also came under scrutiny for having taken part, as deputy chief prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office, in approving the indictment in the case of prosecutor Jeong Jin-ung, who was indicted for assaulting then-senior prosecutor Han Dong-hoon while carrying out a search and seizure. Over these actions, hardliners on prosecutorial reform within the broader ruling camp have questioned whether Kim is a “pro-Yoon prosecutor” or a “prosecutor who shielded Han Dong-hoon,” and challenged his suitability to become the agency’s inaugural chief.
Kim explained that he had joined the statement opposing disciplinary action against Yoon because he believed there were problems with the disciplinary process. He also said he had opposed the indictment in Jeong’s case and had written a legal review report concluding that the offense of assault in the course of official duties was not made out. He reiterated his position on the claim that he was a pro-Yoon prosecutor, saying, “I don’t think I’m pro-Yoon.”
He also denied any political ties to the current administration, while emphasizing the independence and political neutrality of the agency’s inaugural chief. When Park asked, “So, should we take it that this is not a politically aligned appointment by President Lee Jae-myung?”, Kim answered in the affirmative. He also expressed agreement with the need for prosecutorial reform in connection with separating the prosecution’s investigative and prosecutorial powers, saying, “I believe the public made that decision because of the prosecution’s failings.” He pledged to ensure the organization takes root successfully, saying, “The success of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency will be the yardstick for measuring the success of the People-Sovereignty Government’s prosecutorial reform.”

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