Over 2,300 Apply for New Serious Crimes Investigation Agency

The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA), set to launch soon, has seen an overwhelming response to its recruitment drive, attracting 2,375 applicants. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety confirmed the application numbers, choosing not to disclose specific details about the applicants, possibly to address concerns about potentially low interest from current prosecutors. Among those who applied is Im Eun-jeong, a prosecutor from the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, who had previously expressed her intent to transition to an investigator role within the new agency.

The SCIA's preparatory team reported that the application period, which ran from August 7th to August 20th, garnered interest from prosecutors and investigators within the existing prosecution service. The 2,375 applicants represent 82.6% of the SCIA's designated staff of 2,874.

Selected candidates for special appointment will be chosen in September based on factors such as desired work location, experience, and expertise. These individuals are slated to be officially appointed on October 2nd, coinciding with the SCIA's official launch.

Any remaining positions will be filled through future recruitment efforts, taking into account potential reductions in the overall number of personnel within the prosecution service as per the new organizational structure. The SCIA's preparatory team indicated plans for further special appointments from prosecutors and staff within the new Public Prosecution Office, in addition to competitive hiring processes targeting professionals such as police officers, lawyers, accountants, and specialists in cyber technology and financial analysis.