(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Seung-yeon Lee = Kim Ji-yong, the first head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Office (Serious Crimes Investigation Office), declared the principle that he would conduct investigations with the same principles regardless of the case or person.
Commissioner Kim announced this at the inauguration ceremony held at Rene Square Building in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 20th.
Commissioner Kim reflected on the meaning, saying, "Today, we stand at an important starting point in the history of criminal justice in the Republic of Korea. A new criminal justice system begins that separates investigation and prosecution functions, fulfills each agency's original role and responsibility, and establishes mutual checks and balances."
He also said that the Heavy Water Administration received an important mission at the center of the change, and that he felt a heavy sense of responsibility and mission as the first commissioner.
On this day, Commissioner Kim presented the principles and direction he must adhere to in the future as the head of the Heavy Water Administration.
The first thing to consider was political neutrality and independence of investigation.
He said, “The most important asset of an investigative agency is public trust,” and “trust begins with the belief that the investigation is conducted fairly and solely in accordance with the law and evidence.”
He went on to say, “The Central Investigation Agency will apply the same principles and standards regardless of status or status, no matter what case it deals with or who the investigation target is.”
He also emphasized that he would not be swayed by any undue external pressure and would conduct a fair investigation based only on the law and evidence.
He said, “I will investigate independently, but not arbitrarily,” and said he would respect democratic control according to the Constitution and law.
Commissioner Kim went on to announce that he would make procedural justice the basic principle of the investigation.
He said, “Compliance with due process is not an obstacle that impedes the efficiency of the investigation,” and “it is the foundation for protecting citizens’ rights and securing the credibility and legitimacy of the investigation.”
He went on to say, “We will be strictly vigilant against investigations targeting specific people, separate investigations, and dust-up investigations.”
He also promised to conduct an investigation based on principles and reach a just conclusion if the criminal charges are not sufficiently supported.
Commissioner Kim also said, “The performance of the investigation will be evaluated by the public not by the number of arrests or indictments, but by how accurately the facts were revealed and how fairly the law was applied.”
Protection of people's rights was also mentioned as a key task.
Commissioner Kim said, “People must be at the center of criminal justice,” and added, “We will listen more closely to the voices of the socially underprivileged, such as victims who have lost their homes due to crime, children, the disabled, and the elderly.”
He emphasized that he will faithfully protect the rights of suspects who are the subject of investigation and that "human rights and the right to defense should not be treated lightly just because they are suspected of a crime."
Commissioner Kim also emphasized the principle of 'responsible investigation' and said, "We will conduct a responsible investigation based on excellent manpower and expertise."
He said that as serious crimes become more sophisticated and organized, talent with extensive investigative experience and experts in fields such as accounting, finance, information and communication, and science and technology must pool their capabilities to respond effectively, and said he would establish a responsible investigation system.
At the same time, he said, "We will establish an investigation system that will proactively and completely manage the case from initiation to progress and conclusion by granting sufficient authority and responsibility to the investigators."
Lastly, he expressed his ambition to establish a horizontal and fair organizational culture.
Commissioner Kim said, “The institution you are from and your past rank should not be the standard for evaluation and personnel management,” and added, “We will create a fair workplace where professionalism, sincerity, responsible attitude, and performance are fairly evaluated.”
He also added that he will quickly supplement and stabilize various personnel, facilities, and work systems.
At the end of his inauguration speech, Commissioner Kim said to the members, "This should not stop at simply creating a new organization," and urged them to serve as a support for establishing a new standard for the criminal justice system that will last for decades.
Commissioner Kim visited the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul at around 4:30 p.m. immediately after completing the inauguration ceremony.
In the guestbook, he wrote, “We will create a serious crime investigation office that is trusted by the people.”
The inauguration ceremony was held 42 days after Commissioner Kim was nominated as the first head of the Heavy Water Investigation Service on the 8th of last month.
As various controversies over eligibility arose after the nomination, the Blue House's request for a hearing was postponed, and the National Assembly personnel hearing was held only on the 14th.
The day after the hearing, the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee adopted the personnel hearing report, and on the same day, President Lee Jae-myung approved the appointment, making Commissioner Kim's inauguration certain.
The Central Investigation Agency originally planned to hold an inauguration ceremony last week, but it was postponed while coordinating the appointment ceremony schedule with the Blue House.
Commissioner Kim received a letter of appointment from President Lee the day before, and this morning attended a cabinet meeting presided over by the President for the first time.
