Three special investigations to launch after President Lee appoints independent counsels

On the political front.

The names of the three individuals who will lead the recently approved special investigations into the former president and first lady have been announced.

Our correspondent Shin Ha-young has the latest.

Three special counsels have been appointed and are gearing up to launch investigations into allegations made against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, and the supposed cover-up of the death of a Marine.

President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday night appointed former acting chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection Cho Eun-suk to investigate Yoon's declaration of martial law last December and related insurrection charges.

Cho on Friday pledged to ensure that the work done by the police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, and the prosecution would not be wasted.

Min Joong-ki, former chief judge of the Seoul Central District Court, will look into allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee, including stock manipulation and election fraud.

"I'm aware that the case has raised a lot of questions from the public. Since this is a very controversial case, I believe it's important to remain objective."

Lee Myeong-hyeon, who previously served as a senior official at the defense ministry's prosecutors' office, has been tasked with investigating the death of a Marine during flood rescue operations in 2023.

"I see it as my duty to uncover the truth behind this unjust death, and I'll do my best to get to the bottom of it."

The ruling Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party on Thursday each recommended three candidates one for each special counsel position.

Among those recommended, two candidates from the ruling party and one from the other party were appointed.

The DP welcomed the swift appointments, expressing hope that they will meet public expectations and uncover the truth.

"All three special counsels are seen as having strong investigative skills and standing firm against outside pressure. We hope they will stay focused on the people and work to uncover the full truth."

On the other hand, the opposition People Power Party strongly criticized the appointments, saying the government has shifted its focus away from people's livelihoods and is now heading toward political retaliation.

They also pointed out that all three special counsels were recommended by the DP and the RKP, claiming political interests were put ahead of fair investigations.

"The choice of special counsels clearly shows the political bias of the Lee Jae-myung administration. It suggests the real goal is to target the opposition and take political revenge."

Each special counsel will start with a 20-day preparation period.

The full-scale investigations are expected to begin as early as the end of this month or, at the latest, in early July.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.