Investigation Launched Into Lim Eun-jung Over Alleged Political Neutrality Violation

[Anchor]

The Serious Crime Investigation Office (SCIO) has launched an internal investigation into Lim Eun-jung, head of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crime Investigation Office, who has publicly criticized Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural chief of the SCIO. Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, who ordered the inspection, stated that Lim's remarks and actions were "unbecoming of her dignity" and "could be regarded as political acts."

Reporter Shin Yong-il has the details.

[Reporter]

The Serious Crime Investigation Office announced that it received an official document from the Minister of the Interior and Safety ordering an inspection into the remarks made by Gwangju Regional SCIO Chief Lim Eun-jung, and immediately instructed the inspectorate to launch the investigation.

This marks the official launch of an investigation into Chief Lim by the SCIO, and is the first inspection case since the agency's establishment on October 2.

Previously, following the nomination of Kim Ji-yong as SCIO chief, Chief Lim raised issues regarding Kim's background and publicly criticized him, stating, "A person who should serve as a negative example must not become the first investigator of the SCIO."

Meeting with reporters, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung explained the background of the inspection order, stating that Chief Lim's words and actions not only run counter to the dignity of a high-ranking public official but also have the potential to violate political neutrality.

[Yoon Ho-jung / Minister of the Interior and Safety : (Chief Lim) is making remarks that seem to sympathize with the claims of certain political circles. There is a possibility that this could be regarded as a political act intended to demonstrate that there is support within the (SCIO).]

He also mentioned that he had expected Chief Lim to be someone who would exercise investigative authority justly without yielding to external pressure, but she has been causing disappointment.

[Yoon Ho-jung / Minister of the Interior and Safety : In particular, whether she might be attempting to exercise influence using her position (as head of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crime Investigation Office) over the president's personnel authority and procedures proceeding in accordance with the Constitution and laws.]

The SCIO will proceed with the inspection process for Chief Lim in accordance with the State Public Officials Act. If it is determined that disciplinary action is necessary, it will request a disciplinary resolution from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and if the Minister of the Interior and Safety responds, the disciplinary action will be finalized by the Disciplinary Committee under the direct jurisdiction of the Prime Minister.

Chief Lim, who posted on social media expressing regret and sorrow over becoming the subject of the agency's first inspection, did not release any separate official stance.

(Camera Journalist: Yang Hyun-chul, Video Editor: Won Hyung-hee, Designer: Cho Su-in)

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