Seoul:Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA), attended a Cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jae Myung for the first time on Tuesday, sparking controversy over the agency's political neutrality.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim received his letter of appointment from President Lee on Monday and was scheduled to hold his inauguration ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. The SCIA was launched on October 2 as part of an overhaul of the criminal justice system that removed prosecutors' independent investigative powers.
Kim had emphasized the agency's political neutrality and independence before his appointment, noting that he would decide whether to attend the Cabinet meeting after reviewing relevant laws and consulting with concerned agencies. Concerns have been raised that the participation of investigative agency and prosecution chiefs in Cabinet meetings could undermine their political neutrality and independence.
Critics argue that in principle, even officials at the presidential office can be subject to investigation and prosecution, and holding weekly in-person meetings with the president could place political pressure on the agencies. Historically, the prosecutor general did not attend Cabinet meetings, but this practice changed earlier this year after President Lee expanded participation to include the heads of government agencies, including the top prosecutor.
Kim Jong-chul, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, has also been attending Cabinet meetings, marking a departure from the agency's previous practice. In a recent public statement, a local civic group, People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, voiced opposition to the practice, asserting that the political neutrality of investigative and prosecutorial authorities must be guaranteed.