Seoul: The nominee for South Korea's top audit post stated that he would consider revamping units responsible for investigating misconduct or corruption by agency officials to restore public trust.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Ho-cheol, the nominee for chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), made this remark during a parliamentary hearing on his nomination. He pledged to bolster the agency's self-policing functions amid criticism over weak internal oversight. Kim acknowledged the criticism, stating, "I humbly accept criticism that the oversight of misconduct by BAI officials has been insufficient," during the hearing at the National Assembly. He committed to strengthening the agency's self-policing functions.

Kim, a human rights lawyer, was nominated by President Lee Jae Myung for the BAI chair post earlier this month, with his nomination subject to parliamentary approval. The BAI has been embroiled in political controversy in recent years, with critics claiming the institution had been used for politically motivated audits under previous administrations.

Kim highlighted that the BAI has lost public trust as the state audit agency has failed to uphold the principles of independence and neutrality. He also mentioned that the agency's "excessive policy audits and coercive inspections" of public officials have stifled the civil service.

He expressed his intent to lead by example in resisting undue external interference and pressure, and to overhaul the system to ensure that the Council of Commissioners, BAI's top decision-making body, can operate in line with law and principles. He emphasized that the staff should work without being swayed by outside influence.

Kim also vowed to enhance the procedural legitimacy of audits to ensure that the rights of those under investigation are fully protected and that the audits are conducted in a way that respects human rights.