Kim Jiyong Draws Line Against 'Pro-Yoon' Label, Refutes Controversy Over Qualification as SCIA Chief (Comprehensive)

Kim Responds Directly as Political Criticism Mounts

"Demoted in Prosecutorial Appointments After Inauguration of Yoon Suk-yeol Administration"

"Will Focus My Efforts on Establishing the SCIA and the New Criminal Justice System"

On September 14, Kim Jiyong, nominee for the inaugural Chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA), stated that his previous opposition to the abolition of supplementary investigation authority was not for the benefit of prosecutors but for crime victims, and that he agrees with the reform principle of separating investigation and indictment.

Kim Jiyong, the first candidate for the Director of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, is responding to reporters' questions as he arrives at the hearing preparation office set up at the Changseong-dong Annex of the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul on September 8, 2026. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Kim expressed his position on the controversy surrounding him in political circles while speaking to reporters in the lobby of the confirmation hearing preparation office at the Changseongdong Annex of the Government Seoul Complex earlier that day.

He made it clear that his previous position, when he was a prosecutor, of opposing the prosecution reform led by the Democratic Party of Korea and the so-called ‘complete deprivation of prosecutorial investigation rights’ (Geomsuwanbak) has changed.

Kim stated, "I deeply reflect on the fact that the prosecution, where I once worked, lost the public’s trust to the point of facing abolition. I strongly agree with the fundamental principle of criminal justice reform, which is the separation of investigation and indictment." He further stated, "I believe that the country's criminal justice system exists to protect the lives and safety of citizens from crime and to guarantee the peaceful daily lives of the people."

Regarding his past arguments for the necessity of prosecutors’ supplementary investigations, he explained, "It was not for the prosecution, but rather out of concern and conviction that there should be no gaps in the protection of crime victims." He continued, "Recently, the National Assembly, the people's representative body, has amended the Criminal Procedure Act through democratic procedures under the principle of separating investigation and indictment. I understand that various systems to protect crime victims have also been introduced."

He emphasized, "Now is the time to respect the legislative intent of the National Assembly, ensure the successful establishment of the SCIA, and concentrate efforts so that the new criminal justice system can take root with the trust of the people."

These remarks are interpreted as a response to claims within political circles that Kim, having worked as a prosecutor for 24 years and opposed Geomsuwanbak during his tenure as chief prosecutor, is not suitable to serve as the first Chief of the SCIA. He also actively rebutted the view from some in the ruling party that classifies him as a ‘pro-Yoon’ (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) prosecutor based on his past cases and actions.

On September 8, Kim Jiyong, the first nominee for the Chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, responded to reporters' questions as he arrived at the hearing preparation office set up at the Changseong-dong Annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. 2026.9.8 Photo by Jo Yongjun

Earlier on the same day, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yongmin held a press conference and urged Kim to resign, stating, "Kim has consistently acted as a classic 'pro-Yoon, political prosecutor'—signing a statement against disciplinary action for Yoon Seok-yeol, leading the indictment of prosecutor Jeong Jinwoong in the case related to Han Donghun, and being part of the command line in the illegal travel ban case involving Kim Hakui."

In response, Kim stated, "I was transferred to a less significant post in the first round of prosecutorial appointments after the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and resigned about a year later, in September 2023. While I was serving as a prosecutor, there was never a time I was categorized as being close to a particular individual, nor did I ever receive any benefits for such reasons."

On September 9, Assemblywoman Park Eunjeong of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party also claimed during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting that Kim was a 'pro-Yoon prosecutor,' stating, "He was a prosecutor involved in the command line for the illegal travel ban case of Kim Hakui and was involved in the indictment of the Jeong Jinwoong, Han Donghun, and Channel A prosecutorial-media collusion cases."

Kim stated, "It is true that I was involved in the part concerning the physical altercation during the search and seizure involving Chief Prosecutor Jeong when I served as Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office. At the time, I clearly and consistently stated my position, but since my opinion ultimately did not prevail, I still regret it," indicating that he opposed the indictment.

He added, "As for the travel ban case involving Kim Hakui, I consistently maintained and clearly expressed my position from the beginning to the end. However, I was not the final decision-maker at that time. Although I continuously and clearly articulated my opinion, I regret that it was not accepted."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.