Special Inspector Choi Gil-soo: "I will not be drawn into disputes over fairness"

Special Inspector Choi Gil-soo, reporting for his first day of work at the Office of the Special Inspector in Jongno District, Seoul, on the 26th, said he "will uphold political neutrality and the independence of his duties to the very end." On his way to work that day, Choi said he aims "to make the Office of the Special Inspector a kind of 'panopticon' that keeps a watchful eye on those prone to misconduct." The panopticon is a concept of a circular prison in which inmates, never knowing whether they are being watched, constantly feel under surveillance. On his first day, Choi officially stated for the first time his intention to steer clear of disputes over his fairness.

On the question of expanding the scope of those subject to inspection, Choi answered, "I will follow the law." He added that third parties who are not subjects of inspection are merely persons of reference, saying, "Conducting an inspection in violation of the law would itself be punishable."

The special inspector is tasked with investigating misconduct by the president's spouse and relatives within four degrees of kinship, as well as civil servants at the level of senior presidential secretaries and above. President Lee Jae-myung approved Choi's appointment on the 23rd. The post of special inspector had stood vacant for ten years since the resignation of Special Inspector Lee Seok-soo in September 2016, and was restored to normal operation with this appointment.