Special Prosecutor Lee Tae-han, investigating allegations surrounding the Election Commission, including the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, has completed the selection of 10 candidates for deputy prosecutor and plans to request their appointment from President Lee Jae-myung.
On August 26, the special prosecutor announced, "We have finalized the list of 10 candidates by combining our internal list with recommendations from the Korean Bar Association." However, it is expected to take 1 to 2 days to confirm any disqualifications among the candidates, so the official submission of the list to the Blue House will occur immediately after the verification process is completed.
The special prosecutor emphasized that the primary criteria for selecting deputy prosecutors were investigative capability and technical expertise. "We selected candidates solely based on practical skills, prioritizing forensic abilities and investigative instincts," the special prosecutor stated, adding that political neutrality, objectivity, and character were also evaluated comprehensively.
Deputy prosecutors will hold key positions under the direction and supervision of the special prosecutor, responsible for investigating cases, maintaining prosecutions, overseeing special investigators and dispatched officials, and managing media relations, receiving treatment equivalent to that of senior prosecutors.
According to the special prosecutor law, the president must appoint 5 out of the 10 candidates within 5 days of receiving the request. The special prosecutor's team plans to commence full-scale investigations in early September once the five deputy prosecutors are confirmed.
The special prosecutor added, "Even during the preparation period for the investigation, once the deputy prosecutors are appointed, we will ensure that they can immediately begin reviewing investigation records and conducting preliminary investigations."
Efforts to secure investigative personnel and establish infrastructure are ongoing. This week, the special prosecutor plans to receive dispatched personnel from the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency as part of an advance team.
Additionally, the special prosecutor is reaching out to the Seoul Bar Association to request participation from capable lawyers as special investigators, while discussions to transfer investigation records from the joint investigation team that handled existing cases are nearing completion.
Currently, the special prosecutor has set up a temporary office in the The Base Building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, overseeing preparations for the launch of the special prosecutor's team.
Furthermore, in response to a request from the National Assembly's Special Committee on National Investigation, the special prosecutor is simultaneously reviewing the legal basis and participation procedures for observing the on-site verification at the Olympic Park ballot counting center.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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