Kwon Chang-young's 2nd comprehensive special investigation team, Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi. [Photo = Yonhap News]

The police have launched a full-scale investigation into Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi, who appeared on a broadcast by progressive YouTuber Kim Eo-jun and spoke frankly about the investigation's progress.

Special Prosecutor Kim is facing criticism for "undermining investigation neutrality" by publicly discussing matters that are currently under active investigation in a specific media outlet.

Appearing on YouTube, he stated, "We will soon see the suspect's summons."

On the 16th, the Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul announced that it had received and was reviewing the case of Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi, who was indicted on charges of abuse of power, disclosure of official secrets, and disclosure of suspect's facts, on the 14th.

On the 9th, Special Prosecutor Kim appeared on "Jeong Jun-hee's Argument," a segment of the YouTube channel "Kim Eo-jun's Humility Is Hard News Factory," and provided detailed remarks on key investigation areas of the special prosecutor's office, including suspicions regarding the Yangpyeong expressway and luxury goods allegations.

At the time, Special Prosecutor Kim emphasized, "It is difficult to believe that a national project was changed at the level of the road construction company or the service provider. The special prosecutor's mission is to uncover the intervention of those in power."

Furthermore, when asked about the timing of summoning key figures such as former President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, he predicted, "We are currently in a 'build-up' phase," adding, "We will soon see the scene of their appearance."

Regarding the allegations of the First Lady receiving luxury goods, he suggested specific progress in the investigation by stating, "There are significant statements that have emerged during the additional verification process."

Civil Society Groups File Complaint Citing "Undermining Investigation Fairness"

Concerns have been raised by legal circles and civil society regarding these actions. It has been pointed out that it is inappropriate for a special investigation team, whose fairness is paramount, to appear on an internet broadcast with a particular political leaning and explain the investigation's direction as if it were live reporting.

The civic group, Committee for the Welfare of the People and the Public (Secretary-General Kim Soon-hwan), submitted a complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 10th, the day after the broadcast, urging a thorough investigation.

The Committee for the Welfare of the People and the Public strongly criticized, "It is an act that seriously undermines investigation neutrality for a person in charge of a case under investigation to explain related matters on a specific YouTube channel."

Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young Also Under Review for "Dereliction of Duty" Allegations

Given the significant repercussions of this case, the police plan to meticulously examine whether Special Prosecutor Kim's remarks actually constitute disclosure of official secrets or public disclosure of suspect's facts.

Furthermore, the investigation is being expanded to include Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, who was also indicted, holding him responsible for the management and supervision of special prosecutor appointments. A police official stated, "We plan to conduct a legal review to determine if charges of dereliction of duty can be applied to Special Prosecutor Kwon."

By Reporter Im Yo-hee