National Assembly Passes Motion Recommending 3 Candidates for Special Inspector General… Fills 10-Year Vacuum

A motion recommending three candidates for the Special Inspector General, tasked with monitoring corruption involving the President's relatives and close associates, was passed at a plenary session of the National Assembly on the 20th. This marks approximately 10 years since the position remained vacant. The post had been empty since the inaugural Special Inspector General, Lee Seok-su, stepped down in September 2016. President Lee Jae-myung had requested the initiation of the appointment process for the Special Inspector General last July and again this April.

The Democratic Party recommended Choi Gil-su, the People Power Party recommended Kang Ji-sik, and the Korean Bar Association recommended attorney Choi Yong-hun. The vote results were as follows: Choi Yong-hun was approved with 238 votes in favor, 16 against, and 3 abstentions; Choi Gil-su with 237 in favor, 17 against, and 3 abstentions; and Kang Ji-sik with 231 in favor, 24 against, and 2 abstentions.

The Special Inspector General is a vice-ministerial level political appointee serving a three-year term, responsible for auditing wrongdoing by the President's family and aides. The remaining steps include President Lee Jae-myung selecting one of the three candidates, followed by a National Assembly confirmation hearing and final appointment.