Kim Jin-wook, Head of the Corruption Investigation Office, Apologizes and Expresses Regret Over 'Simumsik Controversy'

Director Kim Jin-wook of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, legal affairs specialist] Kim Jin-wook, head of the High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Office (Gong-su-cheo), expressed regret and apologized on the 5th regarding the controversy surrounding the New Year's opening ceremony.

On the afternoon of the same day, Kim released a statement saying, "Regarding my words and actions at the New Year's opening ceremony on January 2nd, I would like to address the criticism and reproach from the Buddhist community concerning my religious bias and attitude as a public official."

In the statement, Kim said, "At the New Year's opening ceremony on January 2nd, I delivered a New Year's address with the message and intention that although difficult and challenging situations and conditions are expected in the Year of the Black Rabbit, all members of Gong-su-cheo should overcome obstacles with united hearts and strong will and achieve results in investigations and other duties." He added, "In line with this, at the end of the New Year's address, I quoted and introduced the first verse of a poem by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and then spontaneously sang a song composed with the poem's lyrics."

He stated, "Although my intention was to gather the strength and wisdom of Gong-su-cheo members to overcome difficulties and meet the public's expectations, regardless of the reason, it was inappropriate and regrettable for me, as a public official and head of an investigative agency, to have words and actions that could be perceived as showing bias toward a specific religion."

He continued, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the Buddhist community and discomfort to the hearts of the monks and laypeople."

Finally, Kim concluded the statement with a pledge: "Going forward, as a public official and head of an investigative agency, I will be more careful to prevent such incidents from recurring and will maintain an impartial stance without any political or religious bias."

Earlier that day, JoongAng Ilbo reported that Kim, at the recent New Year's opening ceremony, introduced a poem by the late Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer and, after that, sang the hymn 'By the Good Power of the Lord' based on the poem, shedding tears.