[Anchor]

The Major Crime Investigation Agency has officially launched an internal probe into Im Eun-jung, head of the Gwangju Regional Major Crime Investigation Agency. This comes just a day after Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung ordered the inspection over 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 construed as political acts.

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

[Reporter]

The Major 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 and actions of Gwangju Regional Major 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 first such probe since the agency was established on October 2.

Previously, following the nomination of Kim Ji-yong as the head of the agency, Im had openly criticized Kim's background, raising issues by stating that someone who should serve as a negative example must not become the agency's first investigator.

Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung met with reporters today to explain the background behind the inspection order, stating that Im's remarks and actions not only run counter to the dignity of a high-ranking public official but also carry the potential of violating political neutrality.

[Yoon Ho-jung / 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 demonstrate that there is support within the (agency).]expressing that he expected her to exercise her investigative powers justly without yielding to external pressure, but she is disappointing him.

[Yoon Ho-jung / Minister of the Interior and Safety: Especially regarding the president's appointment power and the procedures underway in accordance with the Constitution and laws, it raises questions as to whether she is attempting to exercise influence by utilizing her position (as head of the Gwangju Regional Major Crime Investigation Agency).]

The Major Crime Investigation Agency will proceed with the inspection 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 if the Interior Minister responds, the Disciplinary Committee under the direct jurisdiction of the Prime Minister will make the final disciplinary decision.

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

(Camera Reporter: Yang Hyun-chul, Video Editor: Won Hyung-hee, Design: Cho Soo-in)