[Anchor]
The confirmation hearing for Kim Ji-yong, nominee for Chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, is being held at the National Assembly today (October 14). Regarding Lim Eun-jung, the head of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency who has publicly criticized him, nominee Kim stated that it is "an inappropriate act that undermines organizational discipline," and emphasized that he will come up with effective measures if such behavior continues.
Reporter Kim Deok-hyeon has the details.
[Reporter]
Nominee Kim Ji-yong expressed his stance regarding Lim Eun-jung, the head of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency, who became the subject of the agency's first-ever inspection after publicly criticizing him five times.
In a written response to the National Assembly for his confirmation hearing, when asked how he would respond if Lim continues her public criticism after taking office, Kim stated, "Public criticism of personnel matters by a senior investigative official is an inappropriate act that undermines organizational discipline," adding, "We will prepare effective measures."
He also emphasized that members of investigative agencies must exercise special caution regarding words and actions that could be perceived as violating political neutrality, and that he will establish firm discipline.
However, Kim also showed a willingness to embrace her, stating that if appointed as chief, he will join forces with Lim and do his utmost.
Having received an official document from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Serious Crime Investigation Agency has initiated an inspection of Lim.
The agency is reportedly analyzing Lim's controversial remarks posted on social media and other platforms, and related procedures such as written inquiries and requests for data submission are expected to follow.
Some observers predict that the inspection will gain further momentum once nominee Kim is officially inaugurated and appoints an inspector general directly under the agency chief, a post currently vacant.
Regarding Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae, who made additional public criticisms of him during a parliamentary audit, Kim's side took a principled stance, stating that they take the criticism seriously and will further clarify matters as needed during the confirmation hearing.
(Video Editing: Park Sun-soo, Design: Jang Seong-beom)
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