SEOUL – The independent counsel tasked with investigating allegations against former First Lady Kim Keon-hee is reportedly set to establish its office in the KT Gwanghwamun West Building in central Seoul, occupying three floors from the 12th to the 14th. This move marks a significant step in the highly anticipated probe, which has drawn considerable public and political attention.
According to a report by News1 on June 17, Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki has "virtually confirmed" the plan to lease the government-owned floors within the 15-story KT Gwanghwamun West Building. Min reportedly dispatched an application for state property use approval to the Ministry of Economy and Finance on the afternoon of the same day. Given that the floors are government property, approval is expected swiftly upon receipt of the application.
The special prosecutor's team, which is anticipated to comprise up to 205 investigators and support staff, considered various factors in selecting their office space. Key considerations included the capacity to accommodate the large team, potential concerns regarding public complaints and traffic congestion, and the paramount importance of security. The KT Gwanghwamun West Building, currently undergoing remodeling with most of its spaces vacant and its strategic location on a main thoroughfare, was deemed to meet these stringent requirements. While a public institution's regional headquarters in Gangnam was also under consideration, the Gwanghwamun location appears to have been finalized.
Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki is expected to finalize administrative procedures, including office selection and the roster of dispatched personnel, within this week. The full-scale investigation is slated to commence as early as June 26, with the team beginning their work from the newly secured special prosecutor's office.
The special counsel probe into Kim Keon-hee encompasses a wide range of allegations, which have been a contentious political issue for some time. These include suspicions of stock price manipulation related to Deutsch Motors, the acceptance of a luxury handbag, allegations of arranging illegal opinion polls, and interference in candidate nominations for the People Power Party. The investigation has gained further momentum with recent reports suggesting that the special prosecutor expects to question the former First Lady in person, a development that is highly anticipated by the public.
The Special Prosecutor Act allows for a preparatory period of up to 20 days from the appointment of the special prosecutor, during which time necessary arrangements such as securing offices and forming investigation teams are made. Once this preparatory phase concludes, the investigation period begins, typically lasting for a legally specified duration of 120 to 150 days. Special Prosecutor Min has already recommended eight candidates for deputy special prosecutor roles to the presidential office, awaiting the appointment of four of them. These assistant special prosecutors will wield authority comparable to that of chief prosecutors, leading dispatched prosecutors and investigators, handling media relations, and prosecuting indicted cases.
The establishment of the special prosecutor's office marks a critical juncture in the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind the allegations surrounding former First Lady Kim Keon-hee. The public will be closely watching as the investigation proceeds, hoping for a thorough, impartial, and transparent process.
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