President Lee Jae-myung defended Kim Ji-yong, nominee to lead the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, saying it was difficult to characterize him as pro-Yoon. Lee cited Kim's demotion by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, his effective departure from the prosecution service and his order for a reinvestigation into a case involving Yoon's mother-in-law. The presidential office requested a National Assembly confirmation hearing after additional vetting rebutted five allegations involving Kim. Lee said the nomination followed a public recommendation, the shortlisting of four candidates by an independent recommendation committee and a nomination by the interior minister, and that he would make the final appointment after the hearing. The agency formally launched on the 2nd without a chief, prompting the presidential office to call for an end to the dispute and the establishment of a new criminal justice framework.