Kim Jin-wook, Head of the Corruption Investigation Office, "No Legal Issues in Accessing Communication Data... Will Consider Data Submission"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced that it is considering submitting data to the National Assembly to support the claim that there was no issue with the inquiries made during the widespread communication data checks amid the 'surveillance controversy.' This is the first time Director Kim Jin-wook has spoken directly about this controversy.

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Kim expressed this intention during a meeting with members of the People Power Party belonging to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee at the CIO office in Gwacheon, according to People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won.

According to Representative Jang, Kim emphasized that the CIO's communication data inquiries, which led to the media and political surveillance controversy, were made "to find out who the suspect had been in contact with" by checking with the telecom companies, and that there was no legal problem. When Representative Jang pointed out, "Words alone are not trustworthy; submit the data," Kim replied, "I will consider how to submit the data." When asked to "submit the data minimizing personal information to avoid any issues," Kim also said, "I will make an effort."

Regarding the demand to appear and respond to related questions during the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's current issues inquiry, Kim reportedly said, "If the ruling and opposition parties agree to hold a session for current issues inquiry, I will attend and do my best to respond."

In response to criticism that the CIO does not maintain political neutrality, Kim said, "I will think more deeply about that issue and strive to gain the trust of the public."

At this meeting, Kim requested the passage of a bill pending in the National Assembly to increase the number of administrative staff at the CIO, and the People Power Party lawmakers responded, "Public trust comes first. Only then will it pass."

People Power Party lawmakers visited the CIO on the same day to protest. Representatives Jang Je-won, Yoon Han-hong, Yoo Sang-beom, and Cho Soo-jin visited the CIO around 1 p.m. However, the meeting almost did not take place because Director Kim was absent due to a hospital appointment. Representatives Yoon and Yoo left earlier due to scheduling conflicts, and Representatives Jang and Cho met with Director Kim after waiting for about three hours.

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