Lee Special Prosecutor on Chae Sangbyeong Case
"We Will Recommend Assistant Special Prosecutors to the Presidential Office by the 17th"
Lee Myunghyun, the special prosecutor appointed to investigate the Chae Sangbyeong special investigation case, announced on June 17 that he would recommend candidates for assistant special prosecutors to the presidential office within the day.
Speaking with reporters at his law office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Lee stated, "We have a general outline of the candidates for assistant special prosecutor," and added, "We are continuing the vetting process because we must submit the list to the presidential office by today."
He further explained, "In previous special prosecutor cases, it was acceptable if more than a year had passed since joining a political party, but under the current special prosecutor law, there is a provision that prohibits anyone who has ever joined a political party, even once. This is causing a lot of problems."
When asked whether he prioritized recommending candidates with a military legal background, Lee responded, "There are many relevant individuals, so we plan to do so." This is interpreted as taking into account the unique nature of investigating military cases.
However, attorneys Kim Jungmin and Kim Kyungho, who had been mentioned as potential candidates for assistant special prosecutor, were not included in the final list. Attorney Kim Jungmin has represented Colonel Park Junghoon (former head of the Marine Corps Investigation Unit), while attorney Kim Kyungho has represented Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yongmin, who was the battalion commander of the late Chae Sugun, the Marine who died in the line of duty.
When asked whether he was coordinating investigative procedures with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, Lee said, "Since we plan to take over all parts of the investigation previously handled by the CIO, there is no need for coordination." He added, "Right now, selecting the assistant special prosecutors is the top priority, and other matters will proceed after the appointments." He also explained that measures such as the dispatch of prosecution personnel would be addressed after the selection of the assistant special prosecutors.
According to the special prosecutor law, the special prosecutor is required to carry out procedures such as appointing assistant special prosecutors, dispatching prosecutors, and preparing office space during a 20-day preparation period. The special investigation into the death of the Marine allows for the appointment of four assistant special prosecutors, 20 dispatched prosecutors, 40 dispatched public officials, and 40 dispatched investigators.
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