Chairperson Seo Young-kyo of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee said she hopes the inaugural head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency will be “someone without controversy.” The remark appears aimed at the controversy surrounding Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to be the first head of the agency.
On the morning of the 1st at the National Assembly, Chairperson Seo met with reporters and, regarding the appointment of the agency’s head, said, “(Nominee Kim Ji-yong) is one of the applicants,” adding, “In any case, it seems to have turned out that way as we selected from among those who applied and were recommended.” She continued, “As the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chair, I think it would be good if the person were someone without talk (controversy).”
In response to reporters’ questions to the effect of whether “Nominee Kim should be replaced by another candidate,” Chairperson Seo said, “I am also trying to find out what the situation is since I am the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chair,” adding, “In any case, I am concerned that it would be best if there were no talk and things proceeded quietly.”
Returning to the appointment of the agency head, she said, “I think it would be good to go with someone who can be evaluated as a well-chosen candidate for the agency head,” adding, “I do not think being a prosecutor should be a disqualifier.” She continued, “If the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency sends prosecutors to investigate and the Public Prosecution Agency handles indictments, clearly dividing the roles, then I think a prosecutor is suitable.”
Chairperson Seo also stated her position on the president’s comment the previous day on X (formerly Twitter) that “if you say not to use a former prosecutor, who is an investigation expert, as the head of an important investigative body simply because the person is ‘a former prosecutor,’ that would be the same as ruining the agency.”
Chairperson Seo said, “I agree (with the president’s remark),” but added, “I hope talk about a pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) prosecutor does not arise,” noting, “The president also wrote at the end that he has many concerns,” and said, “I share the same concern.”
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