The nominee to head the soon-to-be-launched Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials(CIO) expressed hope for the new agency to move forward in the "Year of the Ox," resembling the hard-working animal.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kim Jin-wook vowed to do his best to ensure that concerns about the CIO being abused in favor of the administration and ruling camp don't become a reality.

When asked about most of the 100 million won in stocks he owns having a connection to COVID-19, Kim said he will address the related allegations at his confirmation hearing.

The nominee declined to comment on the opposition's filing for a court injunction on a parliamentary panel's recommendation of his nomination, citing that the court procedure is ongoing.

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in on Monday officially requested the National Assembly to hold a confirmation hearing for Kim. The parliament has until January 23 to adopt the nominee's confirmation hearing report and submit it to the president.