Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials(CIO) Director General Kim Jin-wook says he plans to select up to 12 former prosecutors for the investigative agency. 

Kim made the remark when he was approached by reporters on his way to work in Gwacheon on Friday. Kim said he plans to recruit people who are competent and have abundant experience and a strong sense of duty. 

He made the remarks after reporters raised doubts about the CIO’s investigative capacity, citing that its leadership consists mainly of former judges. 

Kim is regarded to have said that he plans to hire up to 12 prosecutors as the law regulating the CIO doesn't allow those formerly employed with the prosecution to make up more than half of the agency’s organization. Under the law, a total of 25 people will work as prosecutors with the CIO. 

Kim’s remarks come a day after he picked Yeo Woon-kook, the vice chief of the Korean Bar Association who worked as a judge for 20 years, as his deputy.