The National Assembly on Thursday approved the appointment of National Intelligence Service(NIS) director nominee Kim Kyou-hyun.

The parliamentary intelligence committee adopted Kim’s confirmation hearing report, according to senior members of the ruling and opposition parties on the committee.

Main opposition Democratic Party Rep. Kim Byung-kee said the report was adopted despite opposition from many within the DP for confidential reasons due to security concerns.

Ruling People Power Party Rep. Ha Tae-keung said Kim should expect a swift official appointment by President Yoon Suk Yeol in consideration of pressing inter-Korean issues.

A career diplomat, Kim served as first vice foreign minister and first deputy national security adviser during the previous conservative Park Geun-hye government.