Prosecutors' Office: "Chief Kim Jin-wook Attended UK Conference Using Personal Vacation at His Own Expense"

Explanation Amid Concerns Over Vacancy in Chief Position and Criticism of Inappropriate Actions

Kim Jin-wook, the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), explained that his taking a vacation last week to attend an overseas conference was appropriate, responding to media reports that criticized the move. The CIO stated that it was an event aimed at expanding cooperation with overseas anti-corruption agencies and that Kim attended at his own expense.

On the 17th, the CIO said, "While it is a matter for the media to evaluate, as the inaugural head of the agency, Kim Jin-wook had various roles and responsibilities. He believed that expanding exchanges and cooperation with overseas anti-corruption agencies forms the foundation for the development of the CIO. Accordingly, he has engaged in activities such as signing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with overseas investigative agencies, including the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and New Zealand's Serious Fraud Office."

Kim Jin-wook, Chief of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency. Photo by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency

The CIO added, "In line with this, he also attended the anti-corruption conference, where he interacted with heads of overseas investigative agencies such as the Canadian prosecution service and the UK's SFO, as well as anti-corruption scholars. Moreover, considering that the host was a university, the head participated using his personal vacation and at his own expense."

Furthermore, the CIO stated, "Regarding the leadership gap after the director's retirement, preparations have been underway for some time, including revising relevant regulations. Even if the director is abroad, urgent matters are continuously reported to him, and he provides guidance."

On the same day, a media outlet reported under the headline "Kim Jin-wook, nearing retirement, faces controversy over vacation to attend UK conference," noting that Kim took a five-day vacation from the 8th to the 12th to attend an anti-corruption conference held at the University of Oxford. The report pointed out that this was an inappropriate act amid concerns over a leadership vacuum due to delays in appointing the next CIO head.

Kim Jin-wook, who took office on January 21, 2021, will retire on the 20th after completing his three-year term. The retirement ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 19th at the CIO headquarters.