Kim Youngjin: "Lim Eunjung Must Resign as Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Chief to Attend Kim Jiyong Hearing"

Presidential chief of staff appointment: “It is inappropriate to tap a sitting lawmaker”

Kim Youngjin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea and chair of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, said on Oct. 8 that he opposed having Lim Eun-jung, chief of the Gwangju Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, appear as a witness at the confirmation hearing for Kim Jiyong, nominee to become the agency’s first chief.

In an interview with MBC Radio on Oct. 8, Kim said, “It is not appropriate for Chief Lim to appear at the confirmation hearing for the chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency,” adding, “If she really wants to testify, she can resign as chief of the Gwangju agency and then we can accept her as a witness.”

(JEJU=YONHAP) Reporter Ko Seongsik = Kim Youngjin, chair of the Public Administration and Security Committee, and members of the Democratic Party of Korea's Police Reform Task Force give a press briefing on Aug. 28, 2026, after meeting with the chief of the Jeju Police Agency. 2026.8.28 koss@yna.co.kr (End)

He added, “It is not appropriate conduct for a public official to keep criticizing a nominee.” Since Kim’s nomination, Lim has publicly questioned his qualifications, citing, among other things, her past work in the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s inspection and audit division.

At a National Assembly audit of the Public Administration and Security Committee on Oct. 7, the People Power Party argued that Lim should be selected as a witness for Kim’s confirmation hearing. The Democratic Party has opposed selecting her as a witness.

At a plenary meeting on Oct. 7, the committee approved a plan to hold Kim’s confirmation hearing by agreement between the ruling and opposition parties. The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. on Oct. 14, 2026. The committee also approved requests for the submission of documents and for witnesses and reference witnesses to appear.

Kim also expressed opposition to appointing a sitting lawmaker as the presidential chief of staff. Asked about reports that he was being considered for the post, he ruled that out, saying, “There is no such thing.” He added, “I don’t think it is appropriate to bring in a sitting lawmaker as chief of staff and then hold a by-election.”

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