Minbyun-Lawyers for a Democratic Society, a progressive lawyers' organization, has stated that attorney Kim Ji-yong, a former high-ranking prosecutor, is unsuited to lead the newly established Serious Crime Investigation Agency as its inaugural chief.

In a statement released on September 17, Minbyun said, "Nominee Kim, who until recently spearheaded opposition to prosecution reform centered on separating investigative and indictable powers, is unfit to serve as the inaugural head of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency." The group added, "For the hard-won prosecution reform and the success of the new criminal justice system to be secured, an innovative and capable figure who can build public trust in the agency must be appointed."

Minbyun pointed out that Kim attended a press conference in April 2022 opposing prosecution reform bills while serving as the head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Criminal Department. They also noted that in 2020, he participated in a statement opposing then-Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's disciplinary action against then-Prosecutor General Yoon Suk Yeol, and that he was part of the investigative command line for the illegal departure prohibition case involving former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-is.

"Rather than rushing to select an unsuitable candidate just to meet the launch date of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, it is far more important to appoint a candidate who can successfully lead the agency," Minbyun stated. "For reform to succeed, we need a leader who truly understands and steers its objectives."

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety submitted Kim as the nominee for the agency's inaugural head to the president on September 7, but concerns have since been raised by some political factions regarding his past stances on prosecution reform.

As President Lee Jae-myung ordered additional verification, the request for a confirmation hearing has not yet been submitted to the National Assembly.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety held a briefing on September 17 to directly address various controversies surrounding Kim, reaffirming its determination to proceed with the appointment.

(Photo: Yonhap News)