Newly Appointed Chief Kim Ji-yong Vows to "Eradicate Politicization of Investigations"... Inauguration Ceremony This Afternoon

〈앵커〉

Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, will hold his inauguration ceremony this afternoon (October 20). During his doorstep remarks on his first day of work yesterday, he emphasized that he would eradicate the politicization of investigations, but avoided giving a direct answer on whether he will attend future Cabinet meetings.

Reporter Shin Yong-il has the details.

〈기자〉

Inaugural Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Chief Kim Ji-yong received his letter of appointment from President Lee Jae-myung.

This comes 41 days after he was nominated as the agency's head.

[President Lee Jae-myung : You have been through a lot.]

The presidential office stated that President Lee instructed Chief Kim, "Without favoring one side or the other, you must adhere to principles and thoroughly handle matters that raise public suspicion."

Earlier, during his first doorstep interview on his way to work, Chief Kim stated that he would ensure the early establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and prove its necessity through tangible results.

He pointed to the politicization of investigations as the cause of past prosecutorial abuses of investigative authority, emphasizing that he would eradicate this and maintain political neutrality.

[Kim Ji-yong / Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency : It is the eradication of the politicization of investigations. Our agency will strictly uphold fairness, neutrality, and procedural justice so that the public does not have to worry.]

However, when asked whether the head of an investigative agency would attend Cabinet meetings—a point that has raised concerns over investigative independence—he avoided a direct answer.

[Kim Ji-yong / Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency : That will be appropriately determined in consultation with relevant laws and related agencies.]

Previously, the Seoul Regional Serious Crimes Investigation Agency secured the custody of a suspect for the first time since its launch on October 2, arresting an individual of Southeast Asian nationality accused of smuggling marijuana into the country.

However, remaining challenges include the fact that investigative personnel and basic infrastructure are not yet fully established, alongside the task of resolving the disciplinary inspection issue involving Gwangju Regional Office Chief Im Eun-jung, who had publicly opposed Chief Kim's appointment.

The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency is scheduled to hold Chief Kim's official inauguration ceremony today.

(Camera: Yang Hyun-chul, Video Editing: Jang Hyun-ki)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.