Kim Jiyong: "I won't be swayed by external pressure..."; warns against unrelated-case and fishing-expedition investigations

Kim Jiyong’s inauguration as inaugural chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency
“Same principles will apply regardless of position or status”
Accountable investigations system to be introduced... “Managed comprehensively”
“Evaluations based on expertise and performance, not former institution or rank”

Kim Jiyong, the inaugural chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, said on Tuesday, “We will conduct fair investigations based solely on the law and evidence, without yielding to any improper external pressure.” He also stressed that the agency would be vigilant against investigations targeting specific individuals, investigations into unrelated offenses, and so-called “fishing expeditions.”

Kim Jiyong, the inaugural chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, arrives for work at the agency in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 19, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At his inauguration ceremony that morning at Renne Square in Jung-gu, Seoul, Chief Kim said, “The most important asset of an investigative agency is the public’s trust.” He identified political neutrality, investigative independence, and procedural justice as core principles the agency must uphold.

“Whatever the case and whoever the subject of an investigation, we will apply the same principles and standards regardless of their position or status,” he said. “We will investigate independently, but not arbitrarily.”

On investigative methods, he said, “Observing due process is not an obstacle that undermines the efficiency of an investigation,” adding, “We will be vigilant against investigations targeting specific individuals, investigations into unrelated offenses, and fishing expeditions.” He continued, “If the evidence does not sufficiently support criminal allegations, we will reach a just conclusion accordingly.” He said the agency’s performance would be judged not by the number of arrests or indictments, but by how well it establishes the facts and applies the law fairly.

He also emphasized protecting the rights of victims and suspects. “People must be at the center of criminal justice,” Chief Kim said. “We will listen to the voices of vulnerable members of society, including children, people with disabilities, and older adults, as well as crime victims, while fully safeguarding the human rights and right to defense of those under investigation.”

To strengthen the agency’s capacity to respond to serious crimes, he said it would recruit experts in a range of fields, including accounting, finance, information and communications technology, and science and technology, and enhance its capabilities in digital forensics, financial analysis, fund tracing, and international cooperation. In particular, he pledged to establish a system that would “manage cases proactively and comprehensively from initiation through investigation to conclusion,” and to make a system of accountable investigations take root.

Regarding the agency’s culture, he said, “An employee’s former institution or rank must not be the basis for evaluation or personnel decisions.” He added, “We will create a fair workplace where expertise, diligence, a sense of responsibility, and performance are properly recognized.”

Chief Kim said, “I will approach my work with the understanding that being chief is not about holding the highest position, but about taking responsibility at the forefront.” He added, “We will respond to the public’s expectations with tangible results and achievements.”

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