SEOUL, South Korea – President Lee Jae-myung has swiftly appointed six assistant special prosecutors to join Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok's team, which is tasked with investigating alleged sedition and foreign exchange law violations related to the December 3rd martial law declaration. This move signals an acceleration in the nation's most high-profile investigations, encompassing three separate special prosecutor probes targeting key figures.
Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok announced on June 20th that the appointments of the six assistant special prosecutors had been finalized. The newly appointed assistant special prosecutors are Attorneys Park Eok-soo (Judicial Research and Training Institute, JRTI, Class of 29), Park Ji-young (JRTI Class of 29), Kim Hyung-soo (JRTI Class of 30), Park Tae-ho (JRTI Class of 32), Jang Woo-sung (JRTI Class of 34), and Professor Lee Yoon-je of Myongji University (JRTI Class of 29). Notably, five of the six new appointees are former prosecutors, while Attorney Jang Woo-sung brings a background in law enforcement from the police force.
Special Prosecutor Cho had previously submitted a list of eight candidates for assistant special prosecutor positions to the Ministry of Personnel Management on June 17th. President Lee reviewed these recommendations and gave his final approval for six of them on the night of June 19th. Explaining the selection process, Special Prosecutor Cho stated, "We reflected the recommendations from the Korean Bar Association and also proposed a police-affiliated individual with exceptional investigative and case management capabilities." The sedition investigation, which commenced on June 18th with the additional indictment of former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun on charges including destruction of evidence, is now expected to pick up significant pace with the completion of the assistant special prosecutor appointments.
The December 3rd martial law declaration, an event that sent shockwaves through the nation, has been the subject of intense public scrutiny. The special prosecution team's mandate is to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this declaration, including any potential acts of sedition that undermine constitutional order and any illicit financial transactions or foreign exchange manipulations connected to it. The inclusion of a police-trained professional among the assistant special prosecutors suggests a comprehensive approach, leveraging diverse expertise to tackle the multifaceted nature of the allegations. The investigation is particularly sensitive given its direct implications for the highest echelons of power and the stability of democratic institutions. Public expectations are high for a transparent and impartial inquiry that uncovers the full truth.
Marine Corps Death Inquiry: Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun Signals Broader Reach
Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun, who is leading the investigation into the death of a Marine Corps soldier, spoke to reporters on the morning of June 20th outside his law office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. When asked if the investigation team from the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office handling the Marine's death case would be requested for secondment, Special Prosecutor Lee responded, "We plan to do so if necessary."
Special Prosecutor Lee further stated that once the appointments of his assistant special prosecutors are finalized, he intends to request the transfer of investigation records from both the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office. He had previously recommended eight candidates for assistant special prosecutor positions on June 18th. Under the Special Prosecutor Act, President Lee is mandated to appoint these assistant special prosecutors within three days of the recommendation.
The "Marine Corps death inquiry" refers to the tragic death of Corporal Chae Su-geun during a search and rescue operation in July 2023, following heavy rainfall. The subsequent handling of the investigation by military and civilian authorities has been fraught with controversy, leading to allegations of external pressure and obstruction of justice. The CIO has been investigating alleged abuses of power and involvement by high-ranking officials in the initial stages of the investigation. The Daegu District Prosecutors' Office is reportedly handling aspects related to the immediate circumstances of the corporal's death. Special Prosecutor Lee's intention to request records from both entities underscores the perceived need for a holistic examination of the entire chain of events, from the circumstances of the death to the subsequent investigative processes. The potential secondment of prosecutors from the Daegu office could streamline information sharing and enhance the special prosecutor's team's ability to consolidate evidence. This investigation is seen as a crucial test of accountability for military and governmental officials.
Kim Keon-hee Probe: Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki Ramps Up Staffing
In the third major special prosecutor investigation, Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, who is probing allegations against Kim Keon-hee, announced today that he has requested the Ministry of Justice to dispatch 28 prosecutors. This request includes Senior Prosecutor Jeong Kwang-soo of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office (JRTI Class of 34) and Chief Prosecutor Nam Cheol-woo of the Cheongju District Prosecutors' Office Criminal Division 3 (JRTI Class of 37). This is Special Prosecutor Min's second request for dispatched prosecutors, following an earlier request for five prosecutors to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office on June 19th.
Notably, four of the five prosecutors initially requested from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office began their official duties today, reporting to work for the first time. The special prosecution team reportedly gathered at their temporary office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, from the morning, to discuss further dispatch requests, team composition, and office construction. Legal circles are observing that the special prosecutor's office has initiated a "speed war," completing assistant special prosecutor appointments and office setup even before the expiration of the 20-day preparation period allotted to them.
The allegations surrounding Kim Keon-hee have been a significant point of contention in South Korean politics, encompassing various accusations, including stock price manipulation, involvement in luxury bag scandals, and other forms of misconduct. The specific details of the charges she faces are under intense scrutiny. The swift move by Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki to staff his team with a large number of experienced prosecutors, including those from key investigative units, indicates a clear intent to move quickly and comprehensively. The establishment of a temporary office and the immediate commencement of work by the initial batch of dispatched prosecutors underscore the urgency and determination of the special prosecution team to delve into the complex web of allegations. This investigation is particularly sensitive due to its direct implications for the presidential office and is expected to be a major test of the country's commitment to holding even the highest-ranking individuals accountable. The "speed war" approach suggests a desire to build momentum and avoid any perception of foot-dragging in a case that has garnered immense public and media attention.
These three simultaneous special prosecutor investigations highlight a period of heightened legal and political activity in South Korea, reflecting a strong emphasis on accountability and transparency across various sectors of governance.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
