Jinwook Kim: "Appointment of Corruption Investigation Office Prosecutors This Month, Investigation to Begin Early Next Month"

On the morning of the 9th, Kim Jin-wook, the head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gong-su-cheo), is answering questions from reporters as he arrives at the Government Gwacheon Complex.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Kim Jin-wook, head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gongsoocheo), stated that he plans to complete the appointment of Gongsoocheo prosecutors within this month and start investigations in early next month.

On the morning of the 9th, Kim, while arriving at the Government Complex Gwacheon, told reporters, "There is an expectation that Gongsoocheo should conduct investigations quickly, so if possible, I will complete the appointments within this month."

He explained that he plans to report the specific interview schedule at the personnel committee meeting, which will be held for the first time on the 12th, and said, "We will conduct prosecutor interviews as early as possible." He also mentioned, "Since there is an expectation for Gongsoocheo to start investigations quickly, we intend to proceed accordingly."

Regarding whether Gongsoocheo will investigate the allegations of illegal travel ban involving former Deputy Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui, he responded, "We will clarify it in an appropriate manner by the end of this week." When asked if he might hold onto the case and investigate it personally until the selection of Gongsoocheo prosecutors and investigators is completed, he said, "All possibilities are open."

Concerning media reports that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office is investigating prosecutor Lee Gyu-won, a suspect in the case, Kim stated, "We have not yet received any notification of recognition from the prosecution." When asked if they would review the case together if it is transferred to Gongsoocheo, he replied, "It seems to be still in the early stages of investigation," but added, "Of course, it is a related and important case."