Ex-senior prosecutor tapped as inaugural head of new investigation agency

Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung has nominated a former leading prosecutor to become the first leader of a newly established investigation agency set to commence operations next month, according to reports. Kim Ji-yong, the previous head of the Supreme Prosecutors Office's criminal affairs department, emerged as the final candidate from a shortlist of four contenders, as per Yun's statement.

Yun intends to submit Kim's name to President Lee Jae Myung, who will subsequently appoint him following a parliamentary confirmation process. Should Kim be approved, he will assume the position for a two-year tenure. The agency, meant to partially supplant the prosecution service's duties, is slated to begin functioning on October 2 as part of comprehensive reforms that diminish prosecutors' autonomous and adjunct investigative capabilities.

The agency will scrutinize major offenses spanning seven domains — bribery, financial crimes, defense procurement, drug violations, offenses against national security, cybercrimes, and violations of legal statutes.