Kim Jin-wook, Head of the Public Corruption Investigation Office, Visits Police Agency, "Pure Prevention... Must Maintain Cooperative Relationship with Police"

Director Kim Jin-wook of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency is entering the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency building in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd. On the same day, Director Kim is scheduled to meet with Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong to discuss mutual cooperation measures, including case transfers. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] On the 23rd, Kim Jin-wook, the head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (Gong-su-cheo), who visited the National Police Agency, expressed the view that there should be a 'cooperative' relationship with the police.

Before paying a courtesy call to Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, in the afternoon, Kim told reporters, "(The relationship between the police and Gong-su-cheo) should be one of work cooperation," adding, "Some investigation targets include police senior superintendents, so cooperation with investigative agencies is appropriate."

Kim's visit drew attention as it coincided with an ongoing police investigation involving him. Regarding this, Kim said, "I had scheduled this before the Lunar New Year, and it is awkward to postpone it now; it does not seem like a reason to delay," and added, "Since this is the first courtesy visit, I understand it as a chance to exchange pleasantries and greetings."

He also said about the case in which he was accused, "I will not discuss such matters (with the police chief)," and "I am not in a position to comment."

Commissioner Kim had stated at a press briefing the day before that Kim Jin-wook's visit was a "pure courtesy call," and added, "Since I am restricted from directly directing investigations, I plan to hold the meeting as a form of institutional cooperation."

Earlier, the Citizens' Group for Speculative Capital Watch had filed a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office against Kim Jin-wook over allegations of stock trading, but since it did not fall under crimes for which prosecutors can initiate investigations under the new Prosecutors' Office Act, the case was transferred to the Jongno Police Station in Seoul and eventually taken over by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

On the same day, Yoon Young-dae, head of the Speculative Capital Watch Center, protested in front of the National Police Agency, saying, "It is no different from 'obstruction of official duties by abuse of authority' for Kim, who is the accused, to meet the head of the investigative agency responsible for his own investigation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.