Jinwook Kim: "No Instructions or Interference in Case Selection, Handling, or Disposition Over 3 Years"

by Choi Sukjin

Published 19 Jan.2024 11:53(KST)

Updated 19 Jan.2024 14:18(KST)

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19th Farewell Ceremony "Efforts to Maintain Independence and Neutrality"

Kim Jin-wook, the head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency, stated in his farewell speech on the 19th that during his tenure, "I have never received instructions or interference from anyone regarding the selection, handling, or disposition of cases to be investigated," and added, "I have strived to maintain independence and neutrality." Kim also expressed his regret to the public concerning the modest achievements.

At the farewell ceremony held at the government Gwacheon complex's High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency on the morning of the day before his term expired, Kim said, "The agency has faced criticism for being biased in some cases," and added, "However, at this moment of my departure, reflecting on the past three years, I can say that I have worked hard to firmly uphold independence and neutrality in case investigations."

On the morning of the 19th, at the farewell ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon Public Corruption Investigation Office, Kim Jin-wook, the head of the Public Corruption Investigation Office, is delivering his retirement speech. Photo by Public Corruption Investigation Office

He stated, "Regarding the 'selection of cases' to be investigated, the 'handling of cases' on how to proceed with investigations, and the 'disposition of cases' on how to conclude investigations, since the establishment of the agency, I have never received phone calls, instructions, or interference from anyone as the head of the agency."

He continued, "Adherence to such independence in investigations is directly linked to the neutrality of investigations, so it is extremely important that this tradition continues in the agency's investigations going forward."

Kim expressed regret over the lack of significant investigative achievements during his tenure as the inaugural head and emphasized the need to improve laws and systems.

He said, "The agency has often been criticized for its minimal achievements," and added, "As the first head, I sincerely apologize and ask you to also watch the outcomes of ongoing cases."

Furthermore, Kim stated, "I would also like to point out that the agency can only function within the limits of laws and systems," and urged, "I ask the public for much interest and encouragement regarding the improvement of laws and systems so that the agency can establish itself as an investigative and prosecutorial body that eradicates power-related corruption crimes among high-ranking officials and checks power institutions, and so that prosecutors and investigators at the agency can devote themselves to their duties with conviction."

After the farewell ceremony held at the Government Gwacheon Complex's Corruption Investigation Office on the morning of the 19th, Kim Jin-wook, the head of the Corruption Investigation Office, is leaving the building amid cheers from the staff. Photo by Corruption Investigation Office

At the beginning of his farewell speech, Kim expressed his gratitude in turn to the security officers and drivers at the complex, the general administrative staff and dispatched employees at the agency, as well as the prosecutors and investigators.

At the end of his speech, Kim said, "I feel sorry to leave after completing my term while many things are still insufficient," and added, "However, we cannot keep blaming only the shortcomings of laws and systems forever."

He continued, "Let us always remember the mission entrusted to us by the people to eradicate corruption crimes among high-ranking officials and to check power institutions, and do our best to fulfill our respective roles and duties so that the public can offer encouragement and support to the agency."