Kim Jin-wook "Visit to Police Agency Scheduled 2 Weeks Ago... Only Discussed Cooperation Matters"

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] On the afternoon of the 23rd, Kim Jin-wook, Chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, visited the Police Agency in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, to pay a courtesy call on Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency. Aware of the controversy surrounding the meeting taking place amid the police investigation into allegations of violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, Kim responded, "It was scheduled two weeks ago."

On his way to work that day, Kim explained, "It just happened coincidentally." Earlier, the Center for Financial Capital Market Watchdog had filed a complaint against Kim with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office for violating the Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Receipt of Money and Valuables, which was transferred to the police, and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is currently conducting the investigation.

Regarding the courtesy call, he said, "It is a routine visit, and since the Commissioner does not have investigative command authority, there will be no discussion about case transfers," adding, "It seems only general cooperation matters will be discussed." He further explained, "This will be the last courtesy call, and the head of the National Investigation Headquarters will visit us after being appointed."

He also mentioned the interview criteria for prosecutors at the Corruption Investigation Office scheduled for next month. Kim said, "We have established five evaluation criteria," and "Most of the interview panel members are external experts such as legal professionals and professors who are well-versed in criminal law." The five criteria mentioned are ▲attitude as a public official ▲expert knowledge and application ability ▲creativity, willpower, and potential for development ▲accuracy and logic in expression ▲manners, conduct, and sincerity.

When asked whether there would be plans to further extend the deadline for recommending members of the personnel committee selecting prosecutor candidates from the 28th, he replied, "We will decide when the time comes," and added, "I believe recommendations will be made within the deadline."