Kim Ji-yong, nominee for Chief of the Major Crime Investigation Office, stated that the consecutive public criticisms directed at him by Lim Eun-jung, head of the Gwangju Regional Major Crime Investigation Office, are inappropriate acts that undermine organizational discipline, adding that he will devise effective measures to address them.

At the same time, Kim stated that if appointed as the chief of the Major Crime Investigation Office, he will join forces with Lim for the successful establishment of the office.

According to written answers submitted by Kim to the office of Representative Park Sang-wong of the People Power Party, Kim responded to a question about how he would respond if Lim continues her public criticism after taking office by saying, "Public criticism of personnel matters by investigative executives is an inappropriate act that collapses organizational discipline."

However, he did not mention specific methods such as disciplinary inspections or disciplinary actions.

Asked about the possibility of collaboration with Lim, he said, "As Lim is the person in charge of leading the Gwangju Regional Major Crime Investigation Office, I expect her to successfully settle the office and well resolve pending issues within her jurisdiction," adding, "If appointed as the chief of the Major Crime Investigation Office, I will pool our strengths together with Lim and do my utmost for the success of the agency."

Regarding the fact that Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party has also publicly opposed his nomination as chief of the Major Crime Investigation Office, Kim said, "I understand that her remarks stem from concerns about the Major Crime Investigation Office," adding, "I will sufficiently review and ponder upon those contents moving forward."

He added, "Regarding all questions and claims raised against me, I intend to faithfully explain and clarify them, even if I feel that those claims are distorted or biased."

Addressing criticisms that he opposed the separation of investigation and indictment during the so-called "complete deprivation of prosecutors' investigative powers" discussions, Kim reiterated his stance that he has sympathized with the necessity of separating investigation and indictment.

Kim responded, "Through past experiences working in special investigation departments, I held a critical awareness of issues such as the abuse of investigative powers and concentration of authority, and based on this, I have sympathized with the necessity of separating investigation and indictment," adding, "I argued for the necessity of maintaining supplementary investigations because completely abolishing supplementary investigations without measures to protect victims could create a vacuum in victim protection."

He further noted, "I am deeply reflecting on the fact that the prosecution lost trust and reached the point of abolition," and added, "I actively sympathize with the legislative intent of separating investigation and indictment to control the abuse of investigative powers and will faithfully implement it at the Major Crime Investigation Office."

Regarding the controversy of being labeled a "pro-Yoon prosecutor" after participating in a statement opposing the suspension of duties and disciplinary request against former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, he explained that he joined the statement because he judged there were problems with the procedures at the time.

Kim recalled, "I thought that the prosecutor general's acts subject to disciplinary action could constitute misconduct," while adding, "I remember joining the statement considering that there were some inappropriate aspects in the procedures and processes leading up to the exclusion from duty and the request for disciplinary action, and that immediately excluding him from duties via a duty-exclusion order had aspects violating due process."

Asked about the impact that the crime of judicial distortion, which is included in the scope of investigations by the Major Crime Investigation Office, would have on the fairness and independence of investigations and trials, he responded, "I think holding people accountable for acts that intentionally distort the law can contribute to enhancing the fairness of investigations and trials, but reckless complaints and accusations must not intimidate legal professionals and investigators, so I will carefully judge the initiation of investigations based on law and principles."

Regarding discussions centered around political circles concerning the withdrawal of indictment in the case involving President Lee Jae-myung, he maintained a principled stance, stating, "Whether to withdraw the indictment in individual cases is a matter for the indictment office to judge according to law and principles, and it is inappropriate for me to express an opinion as a nominee for chief of the Major Crime Investigation Office."

(Photo: Yonhap News)