Sanaa:The nominee for the head of the newly established Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA) has pledged to eliminate the "politicization" of investigations and uphold their independence.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the SCIA was launched last Friday as part of a significant reform of the criminal justice system, which removed the power of prosecutors to conduct direct investigations. This change followed criticism that prosecutors had been engaging in politically motivated investigations.
Kim Ji-yong, the nominee, told reporters, "I will first put an end to the politicization of investigations." He criticized the previous prosecutorial practices of conducting politically driven investigations, which he stated caused significant harm. Kim acknowledged the situation had led to the eventual dismantling of the prosecution's investigative powers.
As a former prosecutor, Kim emphasized his commitment to ensuring the new agency steadfastly maintains political neutrality and the independence of its investigations.
Kim is set to face a parliamentary confirmation hearing next Wednesday. However, his nomination has encountered resistance from some members of the ruling Democratic Party, who argue that Kim previously opposed prosecution reform.