President Lee Jae Myung's nominee to head the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) said he intends to defend the audit agency's neutrality as stipulated by the Constitution.

Kim Ho-cheol told reporters on his way to work in Jongno District that he feels a heavy responsibility, given the current state of affairs, and pledged to meet public expectations.

The nominee's remarks come amid allegations that the Yoon Suk Yeol administration conducted inspections targeting then-opposition figures, and concerns about the Lee Jae Myung government's launch of a task force to investigate the allegations.

When asked about the specifics of the agency's reforms, the nominee said that he would share his plans at the parliamentary hearing.

On Sunday, Lee announced the nomination of Kim, a partner at the law firm ClassHankyul, and anticipated that he would restore the agency's neutrality and independence.