Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the president, said on the 7th regarding the appointment of a special inspector, "I again confirm the position that we will definitely do it."
The special inspector is a public post responsible for inspecting misconduct by the president's spouse and relatives within the fourth degree, as well as senior secretaries in the presidential office. It was appointed only once during the Park Geun-hye administration and has not been appointed since, under the Moon Jae-in administration and the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. It also has not been appointed so far under the Lee Jae-myung administration. There are calls to quickly appoint a special inspector for transparent state affairs management.
Chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik held a "six-month performance briefing on the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration" at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the day. At the event, Kang said, "We ask the National Assembly to recommend and send a special inspector," adding, "We will bring that person in as special inspector and receive help and criticism to lead the presidential office transparently and properly." He then said, "I again confirm the position that we will definitely (appoint) a special inspector."
The National Assembly recommends three candidates for special inspector to the president. The president designates one of them, and after a National Assembly confirmation hearing, appoints the nominee. The term of the special inspector is three years.
If, as a result of an inspection, it is clear that the subject has committed a crime and criminal punishment is deemed necessary, the special inspector must refer the case to the prosecutor general. In addition, if there is a reasonable basis to believe a crime occurred and there is a need to prevent flight or destruction of evidence or to secure evidence, the case must be referred to the prosecutor general for investigation.