Jinwook Kim: "Make the Corruption Investigation Office a Horizontal Organization... Investigate Without Sanctuary"

Kim Jin-wook, the first Chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, is delivering his inaugural speech at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the afternoon of the 21st. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Kim Jin-wook, Chief of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (hereinafter referred to as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, or CIO), stated on the 28th that "With the Constitutional Court's ruling of constitutionality, the CIO can now fully focus on its duties."

During an online briefing held at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon, Chief Kim said in his opening remarks, "The long-standing constitutional controversy over the CIO Act has been resolved."

Chief Kim drew a clear line by saying, "There are concerns that politically biased individuals might be appointed as CIO prosecutors, but if the recommendation committee members nominated by both ruling and opposition parties actively express their opinions, such incidents will not occur."

Regarding the criticism that the term of CIO investigators is only six years, he said, "I understand this is one of the factors causing hesitation in applying, but for those who work diligently, we will ensure reappointment to the maximum extent allowed by law," adding, "There is also a path to becoming a prosecutor after gaining experience."

He did not mention the issue of deputy chief nominations in his opening remarks. Instead, he emphasized, "Recently, multiple nominations have become an issue, but whether it is single or multiple nominations, or whether it is a recommendation or nomination, the terminology is not the important matter," stressing, "The key is whether the person recommended or nominated is politically neutral and independent."

Chief Kim stated, "The CIO aims to create a creative and desirable workplace through a new horizontal organizational culture with free internal communication, rather than a strict vertical hierarchy based on unquestioning obedience."

He added, "As I mentioned upon my inauguration, I reiterate that the CIO will thoroughly uphold political neutrality and independence while investigating corruption among high-ranking officials without exception, thereby practicing fair investigations."