Seoul: The nominee to head the forthcoming Serious Crimes Investigation Agency has expressed support for ongoing reforms in the criminal justice system, countering allegations that he had previously opposed such changes. Kim Ji-yong, a former prosecutor selected as the agency's inaugural leader, addressed concerns from lawmakers regarding his past comments against reforming the prosecution.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim stated, "I am deeply reflecting on the fact that the prosecution service that I was a part of has lost the public's trust and faces dismantling." He emphasized his agreement with the reform's core principle, which is to separate investigations from indictments. Criticism of Kim's nomination has emerged from some members of the ruling Democratic Party and the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party, who argue that he opposed efforts to reduce the prosecution's investigative powers during his tenure as a prosecutor.

Kim clarified that his previous stance was driven by concerns for victims and not a defense of the prosecution's authority. His remarks come ahead of the implementation of the revised Criminal Procedure Act on October 2, which will significantly curtail the prosecution's investigative powers and transfer much of the investigative authority to the police.

The new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, set to be established on the same day, will assume some of the prosecution's former investigative responsibilities. Amid the political controversy surrounding Kim's nomination, President Lee Jae Myung has called for an additional review of his candidacy.

A ruling bloc official mentioned that President Lee has instructed a further examination of Kim's nomination to verify various facts. Although Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung recommended Kim's nomination to President Lee last week, the president has not yet forwarded his name to the National Assembly for approval.