Jinwook Kim: "The Necessity of Restricting Stock Ownership and Trading for Corruption Investigation Office Prosecutors Will Be Reviewed"

Kim Jin-wook, the nominee for the Chief of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency, is arriving at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in Ima Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 31st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Kim Jin-wook, the first nominee for the head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (HCIA), stated on the 17th that he would consider the necessity of restricting stock ownership and trading for the HCIA chief and prosecutors. Kim is scheduled for a confirmation hearing on the 19th.

In his written response submitted to the National Assembly on the same day, in response to a question from Yoon Han-hong, a member of the People Power Party, Kim said, "If regulations similar to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office guidelines can be applied to the HCIA chief or prosecutors when investigating corporations, I will actively consider it."

He emphasized, "I believe it is important for the HCIA chief to maintain a steady and unwavering stance despite external changes," and added, "The HCIA, which is responsible for eradicating corruption among high-ranking officials and controlling the abuse of prosecutorial power, holds authority granted by the people."

He further stated, "The agency must embody the rule of law and exercise reflective authority that respects human rights," and added, "It must be an institution accountable to the people."