Kim Ji-yong Issues First Stance: "Im Eun-jung Undermines Organizational Discipline"

[Anchor]

While withholding comment on remarks by Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae, who has voiced opposition to his appointment, Kim Ji-yong, nominee for the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA) chief, has released an official statement regarding Lim Eun-jung, chief of the Gwangju branch of the SCIA, who has publicly criticized him. He emphasized that such public criticism is an inappropriate act that undermines organizational discipline and stated that he would formulate effective countermeasures.

Reporter Kim Deok-hyeon has the details.

[Reporter]

Nominee Kim Ji-yong has released his stance on Lim Eun-jung, chief of the Gwangju branch of the SCIA, who became the agency's first target for inspection after publicly criticizing him five times.

In a written response for his National Assembly confirmation hearing, regarding a question on 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 stressed that members of investigative agencies must exercise extreme caution regarding words and actions that could be perceived as violating political neutrality, and vowed to establish firm discipline.

However, Kim also hinted at a spirit of inclusion, stating that if he is appointed as chief, he will unite with Chief Lim and do his utmost together.

Having received official documents from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety yesterday, the SCIA has launched an inspection into Chief Lim.

The SCIA is reportedly analyzing controversial remarks made by Chief Lim on social media and other platforms, and related procedures such as written inquiries and requests for data submission are expected to follow.

There are also projections that once nominee Kim is officially inaugurated and appoints an inspector general directly under the SCIA chief—a position currently left vacant—the inspection will gain further momentum.

Regarding Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae, who issued another round of public criticism against him during the National Assembly parliamentary audit today, Kim's camp maintained a principled stance, stating that they take the criticism seriously and will clarify any additional matters requiring explanation during the confirmation hearing.

(Video Editing: Park Sun-soo, Design: Jang Seong-beom, Photo courtesy of the office of Representative Park Sang-woong)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.