[Anchor]

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung has ordered a surprise inspection of Im Eun-jung, head of the Gwangju Regional Office of Investigation (Chungsucheong). This marks the first time the interior minister has exercised supervisory authority since the launch of Chungsucheong. The move is interpreted as an effort to tighten discipline against Im, who has continuously and publicly criticized Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to head the agency.

Our first report today, October 11, comes from reporter Jeon Yeonnam.

[Reporter]

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung has instructed Chungsucheong to initiate an inspection of Gwangju Regional Office of Investigation Head Im Eun-jung.

Through social media today, Minister Yoon strongly rebuked Im, stating, "Im seems to be mistaking Chungsucheong for a political body rather than an investigative agency."

The public inspection order is interpreted as a response to Im's repeated public criticisms against Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural head of Chungsucheong who was nominated by the president upon the interior minister's recommendation, viewing it as a challenge to personnel authority.

Minister Yoon emphasized regarding Im, "I am concerned that past wrongful practices such as the prosecution's political interference and collective action might be carrying over into Chungsucheong," adding, "Establishing discipline against actions unbecoming of a high-ranking public official and the mission of the agency will also be part of prosecution reform."

Previously, Im launched public criticisms five times following Kim's nomination.

[Im Eun-jung / Head, Gwangju Regional Office of Investigation (on October 6): It is becoming somewhat apparent that nominee Kim Ji-yong was involved in the command line of various unsavory incidents on multiple occasions...]

The order to inspect Im is the first exercise of supervisory authority by the Minister of the Interior and Safety since the launch of Chungsucheong on October 2.

With Kim's National Assembly confirmation hearing coming up on October 14, some analyze that this public inspection order is a strategic step to ensure a smooth confirmation hearing and stabilize the organization in the early stages of Chungsucheong's launch.

In response, Im stated, "It is regrettable and sad to become the first subject of inspection at Chungsucheong," while also expressing her stance that she will "handle it well."