Politics · South Korea · 2 hrs ago
South Korea’s Serious Crimes Investigation Agency chief attends Cabinet meeting again
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung chaired a Cabinet meeting in Seoul on November 3.
Serious Crimes Investigation Agency chief Kim Ji-yong attended again, along with acting police chief Kim Jong-cheol and acting prosecution chief Lee Jeong-hyeon.
At an earlier meeting, Lee said agency and committee heads did not have to attend when they were busy, while suggesting Kim come about once a month.
Kim’s attendance on November 3 was his third since being appointed and his first since Lee made those comments.
The attendance has raised concerns about investigative independence, because officials who lead investigative and prosecuting bodies may later handle cases involving the president or ministers.
Critics across the political spectrum have questioned whether joining Cabinet meetings could affect the appearance of neutrality.
Kim has said he will coordinate attendance with the interior ministry, and Lee Jeong-hyeon has said he has not discussed specific cases at Cabinet meetings.
Serious Crimes Investigation Agency chief Kim Ji-yong attended a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung on November 3.
It was Kim’s third Cabinet meeting since his appointment and his first since Lee said attendance was not necessary unless needed.
Lee had also suggested that Kim attend about once a month.
The attendance has drawn criticism over whether investigative agencies’ presence could affect their political neutrality and independence.
Kim has said he is aware of public concerns and would discuss attendance with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
- Who
- Serious Crimes Investigation Agency chief Kim Ji-yong attended the meeting. Acting Prosecutor General Lee Jeong-hyeon and acting National Police Agency chief Kim Jong-cheol also attended.
- What
- Kim attended a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung.
- When
- November 3, 2026.
- Where
- The Blue House in South Korea.
- Why
- The sources do not state a specific reason for Kim’s attendance. Lee had said investigative agency chiefs did not need to attend unless necessary and suggested attending about once a month.
Lee Jae-myung's administration
Critics of investigative chiefs' attendance
Purpose and propriety
Lee Jae-myung's administration
Lee described the attendance of investigative agency chiefs at Cabinet meetings as a normalization of an abnormal situation, while saying they need not attend when busy or when their presence is not necessary.
Critics of investigative chiefs' attendance
Critics, including opposition conservatives and the progressive group People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, argue that attendance could undermine political neutrality and investigative independence.
Kim said at a National Assembly audit that he was aware of public concerns about attending Cabinet meetings and would consult the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
Lee said investigative agency chiefs did not need to attend unless necessary and suggested that Kim attend about once a month.
Kim attended another Cabinet meeting, along with acting Prosecutor General Lee Jeong-hyeon and acting National Police Agency chief Kim Jong-cheol.
- Meeting date
- November 3, 2026
- Location
- The Blue House
- Kim Ji-yong's attendance
- Third Cabinet meeting since his appointment
- Lee's suggested frequency
- About once a month
What people are saying
If it is not absolutely necessary, you do not have to come.
I know that some members of the public are concerned.
I have not mentioned specific cases even once at Cabinet meetings, and I have no intention of doing so.