President Lee Jae-myung on the 19th asked the National Assembly to begin procedures to appoint a special inspector to oversee power-related corruption by presidential relatives and individuals with special ties. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said at a Cheong Wa Dae briefing that day, "President Lee once again asked the National Assembly to begin the appointment process for a special inspector to establish discipline in public office and enhance transparency in state affairs."
According to Kang, President Lee recently told aides that "under the principles of democracy and popular sovereignty that all power must be subject to institutional oversight, appointing a special inspector is essential," and asked the National Assembly to submit a written recommendation as required by current law for the appointment.
Kang said, "The special inspector is a system introduced to prevent in advance power-related corruption by presidential relatives and individuals with special ties, and its very existence can help build public trust in the president and the government," adding, "Given President Lee's firm resolve, we hope the National Assembly will promptly begin the related procedures."
The special inspector is a political appointee whose main duty is ongoing oversight of misconduct by the president's spouse and relatives within the fourth degree, and by senior officials at the level of senior presidential secretary or higher in the presidential office. It was one of President Lee's campaign pledges, and he ordered recommendations early in the administration, but the Democratic Party has not proceeded with the related steps to date.
Earlier, in a "30 days in office" press conference in July last year, President Lee said, "Power is better kept in check, if only for the safety of those who hold it," adding, "I have instructed that the National Assembly be asked to recommend candidates for special inspector." Kang also publicly asked the National Assembly for recommendations in December of the same year. That came as demands from the opposition grew for the appointment of a special inspector following controversy over a "personnel solicitation text" by former presidential office digital communications secretary Kim Nam-kuk (now a Democratic Party spokesperson).
Meanwhile, President Lee embarked the same day on a five-night, six-day trip to India and Vietnam. Kang said, "From before his departure today, President Lee ordered the procedures for appointing a special inspector," adding, "As the president was leaving the country, I confirmed (his resolve to appoint) once more."