Prosecutors' Office: "Seven Prosecutors Recommended but Not Appointed... Many Difficulties in Investigation"

Acting President Yet to Appoint,
HCIA Urges "Prompt Appointment Needed"

Yonhap News

The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (HCIA) stated that the appointment of seven prosecutors recommended to the Presidential Office has not yet been made. Although the HCIA has a quota of 25 prosecutors, there are currently only 12 prosecutors serving, excluding the chief and deputy chief.

At a regular briefing on the 15th, an HCIA official said, "It has been quite some time since the appointment recommendations were made through the personnel committee," adding, "There are many difficulties in investigations and other areas due to the delay. We hope the appointments will be made promptly."

The HCIA recommended the appointment of three prosecutors in September last year and four prosecutors (two chief prosecutors and five regular prosecutors) in January this year, but Prime Minister Han Deok-su, acting president, has not yet appointed them.

On the 14th, the HCIA announced that it summoned representatives of the five opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, who filed a complaint regarding the case of Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, who was accused of abuse of power for ordering the release of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, for investigation.