The Corruption Investigation Office Minimizes '1st Anniversary' Ceremony... Press Briefing Also Canceled

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (HCIC), which will mark its first anniversary on the 21st, has decided to minimize its commemorative events. Amid various controversies, it has also decided not to hold a press briefing.

The HCIC announced on the 14th, "The first anniversary event on the 21st at 2 p.m. will be held modestly at the office building, with only 28 attendees including the head, deputy head, department heads, and prosecutors, without inviting any external guests, while complying with quarantine guidelines."

The event will be kept private with minimal activities, limited to remarks by HCIC Chief Kim Jin-wook and a commemorative photo session.

This contrasts with the grand inauguration ceremony held on January 21 last year, which included a plaque unveiling attended by Yoon Ho-jung, Chairman of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Justice, and others.

The HCIC also asked for understanding, stating that the press briefing requested by the press corps with Chief Kim will "not be held this time" and that "future schedules will be reviewed and pursued accordingly."

Since Chief Kim's first press briefing on June 17 last year after his appointment, he has not officially communicated with reporters.

This decision appears to have been made because four investigations related to Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, including the 'accusation coaching' allegations, have not been concluded, and the controversy over 'surveillance' triggered by mass communication data inquiries and the execution of communication warrants on reporters has not subsided. It is also possible that the difficulty in responding to related questions if a public event or briefing were held was taken into consideration.

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