Kim Ji-yong, candidate for Commissioner of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, emphasizes response to serious crimes and organizational stabilization

Kim Jiyong, the nominee for the inaugural commissioner of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA), said he would begin preparations for his confirmation hearing and ensure there are no gaps in responding to serious crimes. On the 8th, Kim made his first commute to the confirmation hearing preparation office at the Changseongdong annex of the Government Complex Seoul in Jongnogu, Seoul, saying that he feels a heavy sense of responsibility amid changes to the criminal justice system. He said he would faithfully go through the hearing process and emphasized that, if appointed, he would quickly stabilize the organization and make sure there are no victims of injustice. Regarding measures to secure political neutrality and investigative independence, changes in his position during his tenure at the prosecution, and controversy over appointing officials from the prosecution, he said he would explain them in detail at the hearing. As for suspicions over real estate holdings and the issue of securing initial investigative personnel, he held back, saying it is still difficult to speak about them in detail. The government said that day it had nominated Kim as the first SCIA chief candidate and would request a confirmation hearing from the National Assembly. Preparations for the confirmation hearing are expected to proceed mainly with personnel from the SCIA launch preparation team and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.