Kim Jiyong, Chief Nominee for the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency: "I Take Concerns About Prosecutorial Reform Seriously... Will Uphold the Spirit of Reform"

"I Will Thoroughly Explain My Vision and Determination at the Hearing"


"Establishing the Agency as an Institution that Protects the Rights of the People"

Kim Jiyong, candidate for Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, addressed concerns surrounding his nomination by stating, "I have listened with a heavy heart to the voices of the people who are worried that prosecutorial reform might regress," adding, "If I am given the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Agency, I will devote myself to implementing the spirit of prosecutorial reform."

Candidate for the first Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, Ji-yong Kim, is answering reporters' questions as he arrives at the personnel 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 Yongjun Cho

In a statement issued on October 2, Kim noted, "Throughout the additional verification process, I have once again realized how great and stern the public's desire is for the success of the new criminal justice system."

He continued, "I have things to say in response to the concerns raised by the media and others, but I consider these, too, to be the voices of the people. I will listen with humility and prepare sincerely for the confirmation hearing." He added, "In the upcoming hearing, I will explain my positions in detail to the public and thoroughly present my vision and determination as a candidate for Chief, as well as the direction in which the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency should move forward."

Kim emphasized, "I will devote all my efforts to ensuring that the Agency is fully equipped to respond to serious crimes and to becoming an investigative body that swiftly establishes itself to protect the rights of the people and victims."

On this day, in response to a reporter's question about opinions that "the Agency was launched without a chief, and there are concerns that it is moving forward prematurely," Kim said, "I am monitoring the situation regarding the agency's launch through various channels. If, after the hearing, I am given the opportunity to serve as Chief, I will promptly address any shortcomings and ensure a swift and stable transition."

In response to further questioning about ongoing suggestions that he is "pro-Yoon [referring to President Yoon Suk Yeol]," Kim said, "I will address this in detail during the hearing," and left the venue.

Previously, President Lee Jaemyung approved the request for a confirmation hearing for Kim's nomination the previous day. After Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung recommended Kim’s appointment on September 7, some in the ruling party claimed he was a "pro-Yoon prosecutor," prompting President Lee to order additional vetting.

The presidential office stated that the additional vetting produced no changes from the original findings, and President Lee clarified on September 30 that media reports confirmed Kim's actions were closer to 'anti-Yoon' rather than 'pro-Yoon.'

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