Seoul:The presidential office has dismissed concerns that the attendance of Kim Ji-yong, chief of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA), at a recent Cabinet meeting could compromise the impartiality and independence of investigations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the criticism emerged after Kim participated in a Cabinet meeting for the first time since taking office. This participation broke with the traditional practice of investigation chiefs abstaining from such meetings. President Lee Jae Myung, addressing the issue on social media, stated that chiefs of all government institutions under his command are permitted to attend Cabinet meetings. However, media outlets have raised concerns about the potential impact on the independence of the investigation chief.
Seong Ghi-hong, the senior secretary for the press, emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining fairness and political neutrality in investigations, asserting that this principle will remain steadfast. Seong clarified that individual investigation cases or indictment instructions would not be a topic of discussion during Cabinet meetings.
Seong further explained that the connection between Cabinet meeting attendance and political control of investigative bodies or interference in investigations is unfounded. He noted that these meetings are intended to share the government's administrative philosophy and current issues with the leaders of government bodies.