SCIA chief attends Cabinet meeting for second time amid controversy

How It Developed

Kim Ji-yong attended a Cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday.

This was Kim Ji-yong's second time attending a Cabinet meeting since heading the SCIA.

The SCIA was launched on October 2, 2026, as part of a criminal justice overhaul.

Kim Jong-chul, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, and acting Prosecutor General Lee Jeong-hyun also attended the meeting.

Opposition lawmakers argued that the attendance of investigative and prosecutorial agency heads at Cabinet meetings could compromise their agencies' neutrality and independence.

Ruling party lawmakers countered that their presence was necessary for coordinating state affairs and ensuring inter-agency cooperation.

SCIA chief Kim stated during a parliamentary audit that he was aware of the opposition's concerns and would consult with the interior ministry on future attendance.

President Lee rejected the criticism, calling the opposition's argument unconstitutional and contrary to his legal authority to oversee administrative affairs.