Shin Hyun-song, nominee for BOK governor, warned of possible monetary tightening if inflation persists due to Middle East supply shocks.
He noted that prolonged Iran war could raise core inflation expectations, prompting the central bank to act.
BOK kept its benchmark rate at 2.50% on April 10, the last decision under Governor Rhee Chang-yong before his term ends April 20.
Shin also pledged to intervene against sharp won depreciation and excess exchange-rate volatility, reversing his earlier neutral stance.