Choi Jaemin, Seoul Serious Crime Chief: "Do Not Be Swayed by Political Interests... Past Mistakes Must Not Be Repeated"

Inauguration Ceremony for Choi Jaemin as Seoul Serious Crime Investigation Chief on October 7

"Witnessing the Consequences of Politically Biased Investigative Agencies"

"Endless Secondary Investigations Must Not Be Repeated"

Emphasizi

Choi Jaemin, the first head of the Seoul Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency, urged agency members on October 7 to "conduct rigorous investigations in accordance with the law and principles, looking only to the people and remaining unmoved by power or political interests."

Jaemin, Head of the Seoul Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency, delivers his inaugural address at the inauguration ceremony held on the 7th at the Serious Crime Investigation Agency in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

At his inauguration ceremony that morning at the agency's headquarters and Seoul office in Jung-gu, Seoul, Choi said, "I will devote all my efforts to ensuring the successful establishment of the Seoul Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency."

"We have seen firsthand what happens when an investigative agency fails to maintain political neutrality and loses the public's trust," Choi said. He added, "The way investigative powers are exercised must also change," and stressed, "We must not repeat past abuses under a different name, such as search and seizure operations that broadly secure materials unrelated to the allegations, investigations that endlessly expand their scope in search of other charges, and investigations that continue for long periods without clear reason."

He urged investigators to observe the principle of proportionality under the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act during investigations. "The scope and intensity of an investigation should be tailored to what is necessary, and investigators should promptly examine the facts and applicable laws with precision," Choi said. "They must show consideration for crime victims and socially disadvantaged people, while also ensuring that suspects' rights are fully protected."

"We must develop the country's best investigative capabilities, worthy of the name Serious Crime Investigation Agency," he said. "In-depth expertise is necessary to understand complex financial transactions and capital market structures and to identify evidence in vast amounts of material." He said the agency would improve its ability to use advanced investigative tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), and provide practical training led by experts in various fields.

He also stressed the need for collaboration within the organization and a new organizational culture. "We must not draw lines based on our professional backgrounds or insist that our own way is the only way," Choi said. "Let us build an organizational culture in which we unite with bonds of steel in the face of serious crimes and overcome challenges together."

He added, "As members of an agency that investigates corruption and economic crimes, we must hold ourselves to an even higher moral standard. One person's misconduct or ethical lapse can undermine trust in the entire organization."

Choi also noted that the agency was not yet fully equipped to meet all its needs. "I understand that we face difficulties because not all the necessary conditions are in place yet," he said, adding, "I urge each of you to approach your work with pride and a sense of ownership as a founding member laying the foundations for this new organization."

Those attending the inauguration ceremony included Kim Dongyul, head of the Advanced Investigations Bureau; Choi Jongpil, head of the Financial Crimes Investigation Bureau; Lee Chun, first deputy chief; Lee Jinyong, second deputy chief; Shin Junho, third deputy chief; Jang Inho, head of the Economic Crimes Investigation Bureau; and Lee Hwanwoo, head of the Narcotics Investigation Bureau.

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