Kim Taehoon Says Prosecutors Must Restore Trust Through Their Fundamental Role

Kim Taehoon, the newly appointed chief prosecutor of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, stated on the 4th, "There is no shortcut to regaining the prosecution's fundamental role and public trust," and emphasized, "It is the prosecution's duty to protect good citizens and the socially vulnerable from crime."

Kim Taehoon, the newly appointed chief prosecutor of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, is arriving at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

At his inauguration ceremony held at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office on this day, Chief Prosecutor Kim remarked, "A painful issue is the criticism that the prosecution has lost its reputation as a neutral and fair institution." He continued, "Although it will be difficult and take a long time, I ask that you focus on supporting victims and carry out all prosecutorial duties, including investigations and the execution of sentences, from a perspective that prioritizes the protection of human rights."

Chief Prosecutor Kim also said, "We need to pay closer attention and pool our capabilities for important cases," and added, "Even for ordinary civil cases, if the human rights of victims are at stake, we should not rely solely on the ability of a single prosecutor. Instead, we need to allocate prosecutorial investigative resources to provide adequate support."

Chief Prosecutor Kim stated, "It is only natural that those who have worked hard should be evaluated and rewarded accordingly through personnel decisions," and added, "We must gather wisdom to ensure that each member's efforts are properly recognized and to find ways to reduce their workload."

He continued, "The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office stands at the forefront of financial crime," and said, "For the new government to implement its national agenda, it is essential to establish a sound order in the capital market, and we must respond firmly to any acts that undermine fair competition."

Chief Prosecutor Kim previously held key positions during the Moon Jae-in administration, including Director of Policy Planning at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Head of the Criminal Division 5 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Director of the Prosecution Division at the Ministry of Justice, and Deputy Chief Prosecutor 4 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, he was sidelined to posts at the Busan High Prosecutors' Office and the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office.