Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Chief Kim Ji-yong Takes the Inaugural Podium: “Arrest and Indictment Numbers Aren’t the Measure of Performance ... Strengthen Specialized Investigative Capabilities”

[Financial News] Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, said in his first remarks upon taking office that he would be judged on the accuracy and fairness of investigations, not the number of arrests or indictments. He said the agency would guard against past investigative practices such as targeting specific individuals and pursuing unrelated cases, while strengthening specialized investigative capabilities and building an investigative system that takes responsibility for cases from start to finish.
At his inauguration ceremony at the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency’s headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 20th, Chief Kim said, “I will have the public judge investigative performance not by the number of arrests or indictments, but by how accurately we uncover the facts and how fairly we apply the law.”
He stressed, “Compliance with due process is not an obstacle that undermines investigative efficiency; it is the foundation for protecting the public’s rights and ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of investigations.” He added, “We will firmly guard against investigations targeting specific individuals, investigations into unrelated cases, and fishing expeditions.” He also said that when criminal allegations are not sufficiently substantiated, the agency will reach a conclusion appropriate to the evidence. He identified political neutrality and investigative independence as key principles as well.
He also pledged to strengthen specialized investigative capabilities. Chief Kim stressed, “Serious crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and organized, and their methods are growing more complex. Talented people with extensive investigative experience and experts from diverse fields, including accounting, finance, information and communications technology, and science and technology, must pool their capabilities.” To that end, he said the agency would enhance core capabilities in digital forensics, financial analysis, fund tracing, and international cooperation, and provide systematic education and training.
He also intends to establish the “accountability-based investigation system” he has long advocated. Chief Kim explained, “We will give investigators sufficient authority and responsibility to build a system that manages cases proactively and comprehensively from initiation through progress to conclusion.” He also emphasized protecting crime victims and socially vulnerable people.
He also stressed the importance of fostering unity in an organization bringing together personnel from different institutions. Chief Kim said, “An employee’s institution of origin and former rank must not be the basis for evaluation or personnel decisions. I will create a fair workplace where only expertise, diligence, a strong sense of responsibility, and performance are judged fairly.”
He also pledged to stabilize the organization by quickly addressing staffing, facilities, and work systems.
 



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