First Investigation on Im Eun-jung Over Alleged Political Neutrality Violation

[Anchor]

The Serious Crime Investigation Agency has officially launched an investigation into Im Eun-jung, head of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency. This comes just a day after Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong ordered the probe following Im's public criticism of Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the agency's inaugural chief. Minister Yoon stated that Im's remarks and actions were "unbecoming of her dignity" and "could be considered political activity."

For our first report, here is reporter Shin Yong-il.

[Reporter]

The Serious Crime Investigation Agency announced today (October 12) that it received an official document from the Minister of the Interior and Safety ordering an inspection into the remarks made by Gwangju Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency Head Im Eun-jung, and immediately instructed the inspector general to carry out the investigation.

This marks the agency's official launch of an investigation into Im, and the very first disciplinary inspection since the agency's establishment on October 2.

Previously, following the nomination of Kim Ji-yong as the head of the agency, Im publicly criticized his background, stating, "A person who should be used as a negative example must not become the number one investigator of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency."

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong met with reporters today and explained the background of the investigation order, stating that Im's words and actions not only run counter to the dignity of a high-ranking public official but also harbor the potential of violating political neutrality.

[Yoon Ho-joong / Minister of the Interior and Safety : (Im) has been making remarks that appear to sympathize with the arguments of certain political circles. There is a possibility that this could be regarded as a political act intended to show that there is internal support within the (Serious Crime Investigation Agency).]

Yoon also mentioned that he had expected Im to exercise her investigative powers justly without yielding to outside pressure, but that she is causing disappointment.

[Yoon Ho-joong / Minister of the Interior and Safety : Especially regarding the President's right to make appointments and procedures proceeding in accordance with the Constitution and laws, whether she might be trying to exercise influence using her position (as head of the Gwangju Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency).]

The Serious Crime Investigation Agency will proceed with the investigation procedures against Im in accordance with the State Public Officials Act. If it determines that disciplinary action is necessary, it will request a disciplinary resolution from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and upon the Minister's response, the final disciplinary action will be decided by the Disciplinary Committee under the direct jurisdiction of the Prime Minister.

Im, who posted on social media yesterday expressing her sorrow and regret over becoming the target of the agency's first inspection, did not release any specific stance today.

(Camera Reporter: Yang Hyun-chul | Video Editing: Won Hyung-hee | Design: Cho Soo-in)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.