Yoon Ho-jung orders inspection of MCIA official Lim Eun-jeong

South Korean Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung has ordered an inspection of Lim Eun-jeong, the head of the Gwangju Regional Major Crime Investigation Agency (MCIA). The order follows Lim’s public criticism of Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the first head of the newly established MCIA.

Minister Yoon stated that Lim appears to be “mistaking the MCIA for a political institution rather than an investigative one.” He expressed concern that the leadership of the new agency might adopt the “wrong practices” of the former prosecution service, such as political interference and collective action. Yoon emphasized that the verification of the MCIA head should be handled through official constitutional and legal channels by the President and the National Assembly.

Lim Eun-jeong responded to the order by describing it as “unfortunate and sorrowful,” noting that she is the first target of an inspection under the new agency. She maintained her stance, having previously criticized Kim’s past conduct during his tenure as a prosecutor. Lim also referenced her history of challenging disciplinary actions in the past, noting her previous legal victory regarding a 2012 case, and stated she would face the inspection with a sense of duty.