The head of the powerful Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials(CIO) said he expects concerns about the agency's political partiality to subside as it begins to conduct investigations.

Kim Jin-wook told reporters on Monday that words alone will not be able to alleviate public mistrust, rather it will fade as the CIO investigates, utilizing political neutrality and autonomy.

According to a public survey conducted by local daily Segye Ilbo on Sunday, 55 percent of respondents doubted that the CIO will be able to maintain political neutrality and autonomy.

As for some judges in the Constitutional Court raising concerns about an article that allows the CIO to supersede other agencies, requiring them to transfer cases involving high-ranking officials, Kim said such concerns will be reflected in the regulations.

The CIO chief also said he plans to request that the National Assembly name members to a panel that will recommend presidential appointments of 23 people who will work as CIO prosecutors.