South Korea's Lee Approves Hearing for New Crimes Agency

President Lee Jae Myung has approved a parliamentary confirmation hearing for Kim Ji-yong, his nominee to lead the newly created Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. The agency is set to launch as part of the administration's broader prosecution reform, which also renames the existing prosecution service.

The presidential office announced the decision on Friday. A spokesperson said Cheong Wa Dae will soon submit the formal hearing request to the National Assembly. The office stated it had completed an additional verification process on Kim, whom President Lee nominated early last month at the interior minister's recommendation.

Internal party concerns over nominee’s reform stance

Suspicions have been raised within the ruling Democratic Party regarding Kim Ji-yong's past stance on prosecution reform. Some within the party have claimed he once opposed the reforms and labeled him a 'pro-Yoon' former prosecutor, referring to former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The presidential office conducted extra vetting in response to these internal doubts. It concluded that the suspicions do not warrant depriving the nominee of a confirmation hearing. The office found Kim's nomination should remain in place.

Prosecution service restructured under reform

The launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency coincides with a major restructuring of the prosecution service. As part of the reform, the prosecution service is being renamed the Public Prosecution Service. Its role will be narrowed to focus solely on indicting suspects and maintaining those indictments. The new Public Prosecution Service is also set to begin operations.

The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency will take over the prosecutors' former function of investigating serious crimes. This separation of investigative and indictment powers is the core of the reform agenda.

Nominee outlines vision amid procedural delays

Kim Ji-yong arrived at the annex to the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu shortly after 1:25 p.m. to prepare for his hearing. He addressed public concerns about the reform process stalling during the additional vetting. "With a heavy heart, I have heard the voices of citizens worried that prosecution reform might backslide," Kim said.

He pledged to explain his vision and the agency's direction in detail at the parliamentary hearing. Kim emphasized his commitment to building the agency's capacity to tackle major crimes and protect citizens' rights. He stated he is currently assessing the situation around the agency's launch through various channels and will address any shortcomings if confirmed.

When asked about allegations that he is a 'pro-Yoon prosecutor', Kim declined to comment. He said he would provide a detailed explanation during the confirmation hearing. The presidential office plans to submit the confirmation hearing request to the National Assembly in the near future.