President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday approved Kim Ji-yong as the inaugural head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, filling the role just two weeks after the agency’s launch.
The approval came 38 days after Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung recommended Kim for the post, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said.
Lee had ordered additional vetting after hard-line members of the broader ruling bloc opposed Kim, arguing that his perceived ties to former President Yoon Suk Yeol could undermine the government’s prosecution reform drive.
Cheong Wa Dae later said the additional review found allegations against Kim to be untrue. Lee submitted the nomination to the National Assembly on Oct. 1.
The parliamentary public administration committee held Kim’s confirmation hearing on Wednesday and adopted its report a day later. The report included both favorable and unfavorable assessments.
Some ruling Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers joined the opposition in questioning Kim’s suitability, while the Rebuilding Korea Party formally opposed his appointment.
herim@heraldcorp.com