The Corruption Investigation Office holds 2nd Advisory Panel Meeting to Discuss 'Communication Investigation Improvement Measures'... Plans for Public Disclosure in March

Kim Jin-wook, Chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (HCIA) held its 2nd Investigation Advisory Committee meeting (headed by former Daegu District Prosecutor Park Yoon-hae) on the 23rd to discuss improvements to telecommunications investigations and other matters.

HCIA announced that from 3 p.m. that day, it held the 2nd Investigation Advisory Committee meeting attended by Director Kim Jin-wook and Deputy Director Yeo Woon-guk, during which they discussed for about three hours the improvement plans for telecommunications investigations and the role of the Public Prosecution Department.

At the meeting, the Investigation Advisory Committee reviewed and supplemented the agenda items compiled by HCIA based on discussions from the 1st meeting held on February 3rd, exchanged diverse opinions, and after in-depth discussions, resolved the advisory contents.

First, regarding the controversy over HCIA's telecommunications data inquiries, the committee urged HCIA to engage in "reflection and introspection," and requested institutional improvements such as ▲ the creation and utilization of practical guidelines related to telecommunications investigations or the drafting of handling guidelines by crime type for high-ranking officials' crimes, ▲ the introduction and use of telecommunications analysis programs, as well as ▲ legislative efforts to enhance citizens' fundamental rights.

Additionally, the committee provided various opinions and suggestions for improvement concerning the role of the Public Prosecution Department following amendments to HCIA's case handling rules and organizational structure, thereby advising on the operation of HCIA's system.

HCIA stated, "Based on the advisory contents from the Investigation Advisory Committee, we plan to prepare institutional and technical improvement measures to ensure not only the legality but also the appropriateness of telecommunications investigation activities, aiming to disclose them as early as March."