Baku:Kim Ji-yong, nominee to lead the newly established Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA), stressed his commitment to political neutrality and independence during his parliamentary confirmation hearing. He promised to pursue investigations without succumbing to any external pressures.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made these assertions during his opening remarks at the National Assembly hearing. He emphasized that the SCIA would conduct fair investigations based solely on the law and principles, maintaining its independence from external influences. The SCIA, launched on October 2, is part of a significant reform of the criminal justice system, which has removed prosecutors' independent investigative powers.
Under the new system, investigative agencies such as the SCIA and police are responsible for conducting investigations, while the Prosecution Service handles indictments. Kim assured that the SCIA would fully uphold its role in maintaining judicial justice and safeguarding the public's daily lives.
Kim also outlined four key tasks he plans to undertake to earn public trust in the SCIA. These tasks include protecting human rights, enhancing specialized investigative capabilities, conducting thorough investigations into crimes against socially vulnerable groups, and ensuring political neutrality and independence.