The revival of the special inspector general position, vacant for nearly a decade, is imminent. Lawmakers plan to adopt a report on the confirmation of Choi Gil-soo as the special inspector general on the 22nd, just over a month after the confirmation hearing. President Lee Jae-myung has expressed his intention to appoint since taking office. If the report is adopted through bipartisan agreement, the appointment process is expected to accelerate, marking a significant step after the government has been in operation for one year and four months. Although delayed, this development is welcome.
The special inspector general was established in 2014 to oversee the conduct of the president's spouse, relatives, and senior officials in the presidential office. However, after the resignation of the first inspector general, Lee Seok-soo, during the Park Geun-hye administration, no successor was appointed, effectively halting its functions.
The special inspector general serves as a crucial safeguard against corruption involving the president's family and close aides. Over the past decade, controversies surrounding the core of power have persisted, including the Choi Soon-sil scandal during the Park Geun-hye administration, allegations involving the president's family and former son-in-law during the Moon Jae-in administration, and issues related to the president's spouse under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. While the presence of a special inspector general may not have prevented all scandals, continuous oversight could have allowed for earlier detection of issues and prevented their escalation.
It is somewhat disappointing that Choi is a candidate recommended by the ruling party. However, it is noteworthy that he was recommended by the Bareunmirae Party, which was in opposition during the Moon Jae-in administration. The key factor is not the recommending party but the actions taken after the appointment. The Blue House has also assessed Choi as a suitable candidate to perform his duties independently.
While the special inspector general may be an uncomfortable presence for those in power, it is also a necessary safeguard against corruption involving the president's family and close aides. Monitoring power is not about hindering governance but about maintaining trust. President Lee has stated, “It is better to be checked for the sake of one’s own safety in power.” It is now time to put that statement into practice.
There are also significant institutional limitations. The special inspector general lacks the authority for compulsory investigations and prosecutions, and the oversight period is generally limited to one month. Extensions require the president's approval. This structure means that the president decides on extensions while monitoring family members and key aides. It is essential to clarify the conditions for extensions and to enhance the system so that the results of oversight lead to subsequent actions by investigative agencies.
The precedent set during the Park Geun-hye administration underscores the importance of independence in oversight. Former special inspector general Lee Seok-soo investigated allegations against then-Blue House Chief of Civil Affairs Woo Byung-woo and referred the matter to prosecutors. However, the Blue House classified the leak of oversight details as a violation of national security and pressured Lee, who ultimately resigned. This situation illustrates how the overseer was pushed out instead of addressing the misconduct of those being monitored. If power shakes the overseer, the special inspector general becomes merely a shell.
Choi must also prove his independence through actions, not just words. During the confirmation hearing, he emphasized that he would make judgments based on law and principles without being swayed by external pressures or political considerations. He stated that any misconduct allegations should be investigated according to principles, regardless of status.
The special inspector general is not a hindrance to governance but a guardian that enhances transparency in government. Monitoring power should be guaranteed by the system, not reliant on the goodwill of the rulers. Both ruling and opposition parties must refine the timelines for recommendations and appointments, establish penalties for obstructing oversight, and clarify conditions for extending oversight periods. President Lee must ensure independence, and Choi must resist the pressures of power. When checks on power operate through the system, it can prevent an unfortunate presidency and maintain healthy governance.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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