Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (CSIA), stated that he will approach investigations with the same principles, regardless of status or standing.

"Today, we stand at a critical starting point in the history of South Korea's criminal justice system," Chief Kim said during his inauguration speech held this afternoon at the CSIA headquarters in the Lene Square building in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Kim noted, "A new criminal justice system is beginning, one that separates the investigation and prosecution functions, allows each institution to fulfill its inherent roles and responsibilities, and achieves mutual checks and balances."

He added that the CSIA has been entrusted with a monumental mission at the center of this change, and as the inaugural head, he feels a heavy sense of responsibility and duty.

During the event, Kim laid out the principles and directions he will strictly uphold as the head of the CSIA moving forward.

The first point he raised was political neutrality and investigative independence.

"The most vital asset of an investigative agency is public trust," he said, adding, "Trust begins with the belief that investigations are conducted fairly, solely based on law and evidence."

He further stated, "Regardless of the case or the targets of the investigation, the CSIA will apply identical principles and standards regardless of status or standing."

He also emphasized that he will conduct investigations fairly based strictly on law and evidence, unfazed by any unfair external pressure.

"While we will investigate independently, we will not investigate arbitrarily," he said, expressing respect for democratic controls in accordance with the Constitution and laws.

Kim went on to state that procedural justice would serve as the fundamental principle of investigations.

"Adhering to due process is not an obstacle that hinders investigative efficiency," Kim pointed out, calling it "the foundation for protecting public rights and securing investigative reliability and legitimacy."

He continued, "We will thoroughly guard against investigations targeting specific individuals, collateral investigations, and exhaustive, fishing expedition-style investigations."

He also promised to investigate based on principles and reach appropriate conclusions if criminal charges are not sufficiently substantiated.

"We will be evaluated by the public not by the number of detentions or indictments, but by how accurately we uncover the truth and how fairly we apply the law," Kim remarked.

He also mentioned the protection of public rights as a core task.

"People must be at the center of criminal justice," Kim said, adding, "We will listen more closely to the voices of vulnerable social groups, such as victims who have lost their livelihoods to crime, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly."

Emphasizing that the rights of suspects under investigation will also be faithfully protected, he stressed, "Human rights and the right to a defense must not be treated lightly simply because someone faces criminal allegations."

Furthermore, underscoring the principle of "responsible investigation," Kim stated, "We will conduct accountable investigations backed by exceptional personnel and expertise."

As serious crimes become increasingly sophisticated and organized, Kim said he will establish a responsible investigation system by bringing together the capabilities of talents with rich investigative experience and experts in fields such as accounting, finance, information technology, and science and technology for effective responses.

"We will grant sufficient authority and responsibility to investigators, building an investigation system that proactively and cohesively manages cases from initiation to progression and conclusion," he said.

Finally, he expressed his ambition to foster a horizontal and fair organizational culture.

"An official's background institution and past rank must not become the criteria for evaluation and personnel decisions," Kim said, adding, "We will create a fair workplace where expertise, diligence, a responsible attitude, and performance are justly evaluated."

He also added that various personnel, facilities, and operational systems will be promptly supplemented and stabilized.

Concluding his inaugural address, Kim urged members, "We must not stop at simply creating a new organization," calling on them to serve as a bedrock for establishing new criminal justice standards that will endure for decades.

The inauguration ceremony took place 42 days after Kim was nominated as the candidate for the inaugural head of the CSIA on September 8.

Following various controversies over his suitability, the presidential office's request for a confirmation hearing was delayed, leading to the National Assembly confirmation hearing being held only on October 14.

The day after the hearing, the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee adopted the confirmation hearing report, and President Lee Jae-myung approved the appointment later that day, making Kim's inauguration certain.

The CSIA originally intended to hold the inauguration ceremony last week, but it was postponed while coordinating the schedule for the appointment ceremony with the presidential office.

Kim received his letter of appointment from President Lee yesterday, and attended a cabinet meeting presided over by the President for the first time this morning.

(Photo: Yonhap News)