Candidate to Lead Major Crimes Agency Vows to Build Organization Quickly

Kim Ji-yong, nominated as the first head of South Korea’s Major Crimes Investigation Agency, said he would work to establish the new body quickly and leave no gaps in the country’s response to serious crime.

Speaking to reporters on Aug. 8 as he arrived at an office in Seoul prepared for his confirmation hearing, Kim said he felt a heavy responsibility after being nominated to lead the agency during a major change in the criminal justice system.

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If I am given the opportunity to work, I will do my utmost to establish the organization quickly so that there is not the slightest gap in the state’s response to serious crimes.

He also pledged to stabilize the agency early, ease public concerns and ensure that no one suffers an injustice during the investigative process. The agency is scheduled to launch on Oct. 2.

Kim declined to discuss sensitive issues, including allegations involving a so-called non-resident single home and plans to guarantee the agency’s political independence and neutrality.

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I feel a heavy responsibility after being nominated as the candidate to lead the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, which is being created amid major changes in the criminal justice system.