Serious Crime Investigation Agency Chief Kim Ji-yong: “End the Politicization of Investigations” ... Accountable Investigation System “Not Just About Prosecution”

[Financial News] Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, named the organization’s early establishment and “ending the politicization of investigations” as key operating principles. He explained that the “accountable investigation system” he has emphasized is not about making prosecution itself the goal, but about establishing a system that takes responsibility for investigation results through to the end.
Kim met with reporters on his way into the agency’s main headquarters in Jung District, Seoul, at around 8:50 a.m. on the 19th and said, “I will ensure the agency has the personnel and material infrastructure it needs to begin operating normally as soon as possible.”
Kim said that on his first day reporting to work on the 16th, he instructed Deputy Chief Jeon Jong-min to lead a dedicated task force for the agency’s early establishment and to quickly put in place the staff and investigative infrastructure the organization needs.
He also made “ending the politicization of investigations” a key priority. Kim said, “The prosecution in the past had various problems, including abuse of its investigative powers. I believe politicization of investigations may have been at the root of them,” adding, “The agency will uphold fairness, neutrality and procedural justice, and establish itself as an investigative body that does not give the public cause for concern.”
He also pledged to protect socially vulnerable people and crime victims. “Protecting the rights and interests of the public is the agency’s fundamental goal,” he said. “We will produce results and demonstrate why the agency is necessary so that the public can see it for themselves.”
Kim also offered a more detailed explanation of the accountable investigation system, which he had mentioned at his confirmation hearing on the 14th. “Existing investigative agencies tended to neglect their responsibility after investigating a case and referring it to prosecutors,” he said. “We will make sure that does not happen going forward and act responsibly.”
He added, “The accountable investigation system does not necessarily mean that an investigation must aim for an indictment. We will investigate and handle matters according to what we find—if something is not the case, as such; if it is, as such—and take full responsibility for that.” He said detailed operating procedures would be set out in a manual at a later date.
Regarding the Seoul Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency’s recent apprehension of a suspect in a drug case, Kim said, “We can conduct investigations to some extent with our current staffing,” but added, “Many cases will be coming in, so the agency needs to get established quickly.”
Asked whether he intended to attend Cabinet meetings, Kim replied, “I will make an appropriate decision in accordance with the relevant laws and in consultation with the relevant agencies.” He is expected to receive his letter of appointment that afternoon, and the official inauguration ceremony is expected to take place around the 20th.
[email protected] Choi Eun-sol Reporter