Prosecutor Lim Eun-jeong and Kim Ji-yong, the head of the Heavy Investigation Service, questioned the disclosure of the candidate’s background.

Criticism of past history by posting ‘public inquiry’ on social media

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Eui-jin = On the 17th, Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office Chief Lim Eun-jung, who has been considered a leading reformist within the prosecution, expressed a critical stance by publicly questioning the history of Kim Ji-yong, the first candidate for the head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Office.

Prosecutor Lim posted a post on Facebook this morning titled ‘Public inquiry about Kim Ji-yong, the first candidate for the head of the Central Investigation Agency,’ and said, “I am inevitably asking a public inquiry because there are answers I would like to hear along with many citizens who wish to reform the investigative structure.”

He referred to Candidate Kim's statement on the 14th that he was not involved in the 'Channel A incident' and that he opposed the investigation and prosecution in the investigation of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-eui's illegal departure ban case, and asked, "How did you express your consistent position, what efforts did you make, and did you exercise your right to object?"

Next, regarding Candidate Kim's statement that the reason he insisted on the need for a supplementary investigation by the prosecution in the past was 'to protect crime victims,' he pointed out, "Isn't it the prosecution that was trying to protect, not the crime victims?"

Prosecutor Lim said, "The prosecution was abolished due to loss of public trust, so what responsibility does the candidate have?" He added, "He was unable to handle his responsibilities as Chief of Inspection Division 1 of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Deputy Chief of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, and Chief of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Division. Can he handle the enormous responsibility of the Director of the Central Investigation Office?"

At the same time, he said, "When I served as a prosecutorial executive, including the head of the 1st inspection division of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, I did not fulfill my statutory inspection and investigation duties by putting organizational logic ahead of the law. If I become the head of the Central Investigation Agency, will I be able to comply with the law?"

Prosecutor Lim recently submitted an application for special appointment as a prosecutor/prosecution investigator at the Central Investigation Agency ahead of the launch of the agency in October.

He had already announced his intention to work for the Heavy Water and Water Administration through a video conference held at the end of last year.

At the time, when this news became known, Prosecutor Lim explained on social media that he hoped to take on a practical role, such as investigation or inspection, rather than a leadership role such as the head of the Central Investigation Agency.