Interior ministry forms panel for first Major Crimes Investigation Agency chief

The interior ministry said Wednesday it had formed a panel to recommend candidates for the first chief of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, due to launch Oct. 2 under a criminal-justice overhaul separating investigations from prosecutions.

The nine-member committee is chaired by Lee Joo-won, a professor at Korea University's law school. Kim Hyo-bung, head of law firm Jungburo, and Hong Jong-hee, an auditor with the Korean Bar Association Legal Aid Foundation, are the other appointed members; six serve ex officio, including vice ministers from the justice and interior ministries and representatives of the courts, bar and legal academia.

Individuals, companies and organizations can submit confidential written nominations in person or by registered mail through Aug. 26. Nominations must include the nominee's education, career history and reasons for the recommendation; submissions by fax or email will not be accepted. Eligible candidates must have at least 15 years' experience in investigative or legal work, satisfy appointment qualifications and have no statutory disqualifications.

The committee will review candidates' qualifications and suitability before recommending at least three people. The interior minister will nominate the final candidate, respecting the committee's recommendation.

"The launch of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency is a major transformation in the 78-year history of the criminal justice system, and the role of its first chief is extremely important," Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung said. "We will proceed with the follow-up process without disruption so that a suitable candidate who meets the public's expectations can be nominated through active public recommendations and the committee's thorough review."