President requests confirmation hearing for nominee to head new investigation agency

SEOUL, October 2 - President Lee Jae Myung has given approval for a parliamentary confirmation hearing for his nominee, Kim Ji-yong, to serve as the first head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA), according to a presidential spokesperson. This move comes as the SCIA prepares to commence operations, assuming the responsibilities of investigating serious crimes from the current prosecutors, as part of the Lee administration's broader prosecution reform efforts.

President Lee's endorsement of a document seeking a parliamentary hearing for Kim's appointment suggests that he may be in the process of officially confirming his nomination. Early last month, President Lee submitted Kim's name for consideration, following a recommendation from the Interior Minister. However, recent doubts have emerged within the ruling Democratic Party, fueled by allegations that Kim had previously been against the idea of prosecution reform.

The presidential office had earlier stated that an additional verification process for Kim's nomination had been conducted, and they concluded that his nomination should remain in place. In addition to the confirmation hearing, the presidential office has announced that the prosecution service will undergo a renaming, becoming the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

The PPS will be solely responsible for indicting and maintaining indictments against suspects, with the current prosecution service set to transition to this new role.