Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to lead South Korea's newly established Major Crimes Investigation Office, declined to state a clear position on a controversial prosecution reform law during his first day at work on Tuesday, according to the Hankyoreh.
When asked by reporters whether he opposed the so-called "prosecution investigation completion" law — a measure that strips prosecutors of their power to complete investigations — Kim said he would provide a full explanation during his parliamentary confirmation hearing, the outlet reported.
Kim, a former prosecutor now working as a lawyer, was named as the first chief of the new agency earlier this week, as reported by the Legal Times. On his first commute to the office, he told reporters that he would ensure "no gaps" in the response to major crimes, according to YTN.
The nomination has drawn a supportive response from the ruling party, which said in a statement carried by Daum that Kim's appointment is welcome and that prosecutorial investigative expertise should be transferred to the new body.
The Major Crimes Investigation Office is being set up under a broader government effort to separate investigative and prosecutorial powers. The reform has been a flashpoint in South Korean politics, with critics arguing it weakens the prosecution's ability to hold powerful figures accountable, while supporters say it curbs prosecutorial overreach.
Kim's confirmation hearing is expected to be a key moment for lawmakers to press him on where he stands regarding the reform, particularly given his background as a career prosecutor. His answers could signal how aggressively the new agency will assert its mandate.
Observers will be watching whether Kim's hearing testimony aligns with the ruling party's expectation that the new office will inherit the prosecution's investigative role in full.
