Indiscriminate Communication Inquiry Controversy, Corruption Investigation Office "Regret... Reviewing Potential Basic Rights Violations"

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] The High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Agency (HCIA) expressed regret over the controversy arising from the mass inquiry of communication data of journalists, ordinary citizens, and politicians.

On the 24th, the HCIA stated in a press release, "We deeply regret that the controversy over the inquiry of communication data of journalists, ordinary citizens, and politicians occurred due to the unreflective repetition of past investigative practices, which has drawn public criticism."

Previously, the HCIA sparked controversy by extensively accessing communication data containing personal information of journalists and opposition party politicians. Although the HCIA maintained that this was a lawful procedure to identify the counterparties of investigation targets, the issue escalated into allegations of 'media surveillance.'

However, on this day, the HCIA said, "Even if it is a lawful investigative procedure necessary for the investigation, we will thoroughly examine whether it excessively infringes on constitutional fundamental rights or contains elements that could cause public misunderstanding." In particular, they announced plans to have external personnel lead the review of communication-related investigative activities and to promptly prepare measures to improve investigative operations.

Nevertheless, the HCIA reiterated its position that, due to the nature of the cases and investigations handled, it was inevitable to verify the communication data of journalists and ordinary citizens to identify the counterparties of suspects and other related parties. The HCIA explained, "Please understand that it is difficult to disclose specific details of individual ongoing cases." They added, "We ask for your consideration of the HCIA’s role and responsibility to uncover the substantive truth of socially controversial cases such as the allegations of report solicitation."

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