Lee Special Prosecutor: "Assistant Special Prosecutor Recommendations to Be Finalized on the 18th"
Delay Due to Procedures Such as Party Membership History
Lee Myunghyun, the special prosecutor who will be investigating the Chae Sangbyeong special investigation case, announced on June 18 that he has set up the special prosecutor's office in the Hwinmulgyeol Building in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The recommendation of assistant special prosecutors, which was originally planned to be completed by June 17, is expected to be finalized during the day.
On this day, Lee met with reporters at a law office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and said, "The office is in the Hwinmulgyeol Building next door," adding, "It is currently under a provisional contract."
Regarding the delay in recommending assistant special prosecutors, he explained, "There is an issue with party affiliation in the eligibility criteria for appointment as a special prosecutor. If someone has ever been affiliated, they are disqualified," and added, "Some friends or acquaintances had previous experiences several years ago where they were asked to join or recommend someone for party membership, and such issues have suddenly come up, causing disqualifications and resulting in changes to the list."
When asked whether Lee Sangyun and Ryu Gwansuk, who have been mentioned as candidates for assistant special prosecutor, have any history of party affiliation, he replied, "That does not apply to them," but also clarified, "They have not been confirmed as final candidates."
Addressing concerns that the overall preparation for the special investigation is being delayed, he said, "There are many people related to the Ministry of National Defense, which creates an issue in that we need someone who is well-acquainted with the organization and internal affairs of the Ministry of National Defense," and added, "Even if we receive applications or bring in experts, this issue persists."
Lee stated, "I will finalize the candidates for assistant special prosecutor within today," and added, "I plan to recommend all eight candidates." He further emphasized, "Since this is a case to uncover the truth, we are prioritizing candidates who are passionate." After completing the recommendations for assistant special prosecutors, he plans to visit the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials to discuss the issue of dispatching prosecutors.
According to the Special Prosecutor Act, during the 20-day preparation period, the special prosecutor is to proceed with the appointment of assistant special prosecutors, the dispatch of prosecutors, and the establishment of the office. For the special investigation into the death of the Marine, the special prosecutor may have up to four assistant special prosecutors, 20 dispatched prosecutors, 40 dispatched public officials, and 40 dispatched investigators.
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