Presidential office denies investigation chief's Cabinet meeting attendance compromises impartiality

The presidential office rejected claims that the leader of the new investigative agency attending Cabinet meetings could undermine impartiality and independence in their investigations. This response came after media scrutiny following Kim Ji-yong's first attendance at a Cabinet gathering since assuming his role, despite the customary absence of investigation chiefs from such meetings.

President Lee Jae Myung had previously expressed in a social media post that heads of all government institutions under his command could attend Cabinet meetings, but many news outlets questioned whether this action might compromise the chief's independence and impartiality in handling investigations. The government is committed to upholding fairness and political neutrality in investigations and maintaining independence in indictments, according to Seong Ghi-hong, the senior press secretary for President Lee.

Seong emphasized that no individual cases or instructions related to indictments would be discussed during Cabinet meetings. He reiterated that linking Cabinet meeting attendance with political control over investigative bodies or interference in investigations is entirely inconsistent with the government's aim of holding Cabinet meetings.