National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee Faces Witness Standoff Ahead of Kim Jiyong Hearing; Opposition: "Im Eunjung Must Be Called"

The People Power Party on Oct. 7 called for Lim Eun-jung, chief of the Gwangju Regional Major Crimes Investigation Agency, to be named as a witness at the confirmation hearing for Kim Ji-yong, nominee to become the agency's inaugural chief. The National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee is set to consider a plan for the confirmation hearing that day.

Rep. Park Sang-ung of the People Power Party said during the committee's parliamentary audit that day, "Our party requested that Chief Lim be called as a witness, but the Democratic Party is unfortunately opposing it." He added, "The criteria for calling a witness should be whether the person is needed to assess the nominee's qualifications and abilities, the agency's actual operations, and internal organizational problems."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Photo by Hwang Gwangmo = Kang Donghwan, acting secretary-general of the National Election Commission, presents an agency report at a parliamentary audit by the Public Administration and Security Committee at the National Assembly on Oct. 7, 2026. hkmpooh@yna.co.kr (End)

Since Kim's nomination, Chief Lim has publicly questioned his suitability, citing, among other things, his past work in the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's inspection and investigation division. She has also said that she would attend if the National Assembly called her as a witness or reference at the confirmation hearing.

The Democratic Party says it will vet Kim at the confirmation hearing. Kim Min-seok, the party's leader, said at a supreme council meeting that day, "The time for diverse opinions has passed, and the time for a confirmation hearing for the head of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency has arrived," adding, "Our party will make every effort to prepare for the hearing."

If the committee approves the hearing plan, Kim's confirmation hearing will be held on Oct. 14. The ruling and opposition parties are discussing the selection of witnesses and references.

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