The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) stated, "There has been no news yet regarding the presidential approval of the appointment of prosecutors. We are doing our best with the personnel we currently have," referring to the issue of insufficient investigative staff.
During a regular briefing on the 29th, a CIO official said, "Even if the seven prosecutors who have not yet been appointed join us, it would take two to three months including the adaptation period," and added, "We hope that those who are awaiting appointment can join as soon as possible."
According to the CIO Act, the total number of prosecutors should be 25, but currently only 14 are in office. Among them, excluding the Chief and Deputy Chief, two chief prosecutors, and two staff members working in non-investigative departments, there are only eight regular prosecutors.
The CIO recommended the appointment of three prosecutors in September last year and four prosecutors (two chief prosecutors and five regular prosecutors) in January this year. However, Han Ducksoo, the acting President and Prime Minister, has not yet appointed them.
A CIO official added, "We are waiting for the presidential approval of the appointments. We have already done everything we can, such as holding a personnel committee and making recommendations," and emphasized, "The remaining procedures are not in our hands."
Meanwhile, the CIO is simultaneously investigating the 12·3 Martial Law incident and the alleged external pressure in the investigation of the 'Corporal Chae death case.' However, on the 23rd, the forensic analysis of the mobile phone belonging to Lim Sungkeun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division and a key figure in the external pressure allegations, did not take place. This was because Lim requested the recording of the process, but since he has now withdrawn this request, the CIO plans to resume the selective forensic analysis of the mobile phone on the 30th.
A CIO official explained, "Even during the last appearance, the schedule was coordinated in advance, but an unexpected situation occurred," and continued, "We do not know what might happen this time, but we expect the process to proceed smoothly."
Regarding the martial law investigation, the official stated, "It is still ongoing," and added, "We are conducting witness interviews with military personnel and are carrying out related investigations to determine the appropriate course of action, whatever that may be."
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