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

The presidential office dismissed claims that the head of a new investigation agency attending Cabinet meetings could compromise impartiality and independence in investigations. This came after growing media criticism following Kim Ji-yong's attendance at the Cabinet meeting for the first time since being appointed as the head of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA).

President Lee Jae Myung had previously stated that all government institution chiefs under his command could attend Cabinet meetings. However, media outlets pointed out that such a move could potentially undermine the investigation chief's independence and impartiality in conducting investigations. The government remains committed to maintaining fairness, political neutrality, and independence in investigations and indictments, according to Lee's senior secretary for the press, Seong Ghi-hong.