President Lee Jae Myung has nominated prominent human rights lawyer Kim Ho-cheol as the next chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), the presidential office announced on Sunday. Kim, currently an attorney at KlassHankyul, has held key public-interest roles, including chairing the Korean National Police Commission and co-leading the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements.
Kim has also served as president of Lawyers for a Democratic Society and contributed to investigations into suspicious military deaths. The presidential office highlighted his long-standing work in protecting public interest and advancing social justice, noting that he is expected to restore the BAI’s neutrality, independence and public trust.
Kim will undergo a parliamentary confirmation hearing, with the date yet to be set. His nomination comes after former BAI chief Choe Jae-hae completed his four-year term amid past political disputes over the agency’s use. The BAI recently drew renewed attention following a raid by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials over an audit conducted under the previous administration.
