Accelerating the Selection of Assistant Special Prosecutors and Special Investigators
The special prosecutor team led by Ahn Kwonseop (25th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute), who was appointed as the permanent special prosecutor to investigate the "suspicions of the disposal of the Gwanbongkwon band and external pressure for non-prosecution regarding Coupang severance pay," has finalized its office lease and is accelerating preparations for the investigation, including forming the team.
Permanent Special Prosecutor Kwonseop Ahn, who is in charge of investigating the suspicion of losing the band of the Gunjin Beopsa Gwanbongkwon and the suspicion of external pressure for non-prosecution of Coupang severance pay, is leaving his office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 17th. Yonhap News
According to the legal community on November 30, Special Prosecutor Ahn recently signed a lease for an office in the Centro Building near the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and is preparing to move in.
The selection of investigators is also underway. It has been reported that Special Prosecutor Ahn recently sent an official letter to the Korean Bar Association requesting recommendations for suitable special investigators to assist in the duties of the special prosecutor. Two assistant special prosecutors are also expected to join the team soon.
According to the Special Prosecutor Act, the Gwanbongkwon and Coupang special prosecutor will conduct investigations into the two suspicions for up to 90 days following a 20-day preparation period. Under the act, the permanent special prosecutor team will consist of the special prosecutor, two assistant special prosecutors, up to five prosecutors on assignment, and up to 30 government officials and 30 special investigators each. The investigation is expected to officially begin next week.
The "Gwanbongkwon band disposal suspicion" case at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office arose when it was belatedly revealed that the band and sticker for 50 million won in cash, part of a total of 165 million won discovered during a search of Jeon Seongbae, known as Gunjin Beopsa's home in December last year, had gone missing, raising suspicions of evidence destruction. The "Coupang severance pay non-prosecution external pressure suspicion" centers on allegations that, in April, Um Heejun, then head of the Bucheon branch of the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office (now a prosecutor at the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office), omitted key information in his report to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office regarding the Coupang severance pay non-payment case and pressured Chief Prosecutor Moon Jiseok, who was in charge of the case, not to indict.
Minister of Justice Jeong Seongho stated on October 24, "We determined that an independent third-party institution should objectively verify the facts and clearly determine the truth and responsibility regarding these suspicions," adding, "We decided to launch a permanent special prosecutor investigation in accordance with Article 2, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 1 of the Act on the Appointment of Special Prosecutors, etc."
Special Prosecutor Ahn began his career as a prosecutor at the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office in 1996 and later served at the Uijeongbu Branch, Cheongju District Prosecutors' Office, Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, and Anyang Branch. He has also held positions such as Director of Legal Personnel at the Ministry of Justice, Head of Criminal Division 5 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Chief Prosecutor at the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office, Professor at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, Head of the Appellate Division at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Chuncheon District Prosecutors' Office, and Head of the Yongin Branch of the Judicial Research and Training Institute.
During his tenure as a prosecutor, he gained experience in a wide range of fields, including anti-corruption (special investigations), public security, labor, violent crimes, narcotics, sexual crimes, and trial management. He is regarded as calm and prudent, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
This is the second time a permanent special prosecutor has been activated since the "Sewol Ferry Disaster Fact-Finding Special Prosecutor" in 2021, and it is the first time a special prosecutor investigation is targeting internal affairs of the prosecution.
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