Seoul:A parliamentary committee has adopted a confirmation hearing report for a special inspector nominee, paving the way for the appointment of the first presidential watchdog in over a decade.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee approved the report for Choi Kil-su with bipartisan support following his confirmation hearing last month.

The role of the special inspector is to investigate corruption allegations involving the president's family, relatives, and senior aides. The committee's report praised Choi for his commitment to political neutrality and independence, as well as his expertise in handling corruption cases.

However, the report also raised concerns about Choi's ability to conduct impartial investigations, noting that he was recommended by the ruling Democratic Party. Choi, a former senior prosecutor, was nominated by President Lee Jae Myung from among three candidates recommended by the ruling and opposition parties and the bar association in August.

If appointed, Choi would be the first special inspector since 2016. The special inspector post was created in 2014 to probe alleged irregularities involving the president's spouse, close relatives, and senior officials, but has been vacant since the previous inspector stepped down in September 2016.