The presidential office has welcomed the chief prosecutor's remark that he will not oppose the introduction of an exclusive body to investigate corruption by ranking public officials.

In a written statement to reporters, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said Thursday that it's the first time Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il has consented to the investigation agency.

Kim expressed hope that a special parliamentary committee on judicial reform will now make progress in related discussions that can lead to legislation. 

The spokesman also said the top office completely agrees with the prosecutor general's remark vowing to minimize the prosecution's direct involvement in investigations and focus more on oversight of police investigation.

However, Kim expressed caution regarding Moon's call for introducing an autonomous police force, saying that more discussions are necessary.

In a news conference earlier Thursday, the chief prosecutor said that adjusting investigation rights between the police and prosecution should go hand in hand with the adoption of an autonomous police system. 

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