President Lee Jae Myung has renewed calls for the National Assembly to swiftly appoint a special inspector general to probe corruption involving the president's family. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik stressed the need during a press briefing, citing democratic principles of institutional oversight. The ruling party pledged quick action, while the opposition dismissed it as a political stunt.
SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said during a press briefing on Sunday that President Lee Jae Myung renewed calls for the National Assembly to swiftly initiate procedures to appoint a special inspector general tasked with investigating corruption involving the president's family.
Kang emphasized that Lee views the independent inspector's role as essential for overseeing misconduct by the president's spouse and close relatives, aiming to tighten discipline among public officials and boost public trust. "Lee believes the appointment of an inspector general is necessary in accordance with the principles of democracy and people's sovereignty that 'all powers must be monitored through institutions,'" Kang said. "We ask that the National Assembly swiftly resume the procedures as the president has expressed his firm commitment."
The position was established in 2014 under then-President Park Geun-hye but has remained vacant since 2016. Under the law, the Assembly must recommend three candidates with at least 15 years of legal experience, from which the president selects one. Lee pledged to fill the post during his presidential campaign, but progress has stalled.
Rep. Han Byung-do, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, responded on Facebook that the party will "swiftly" launch legal procedures and urged the main opposition People Power Party to participate calmly. The People Power Party labeled Lee's request a "political show" ahead of the June 3 local elections and called on Cheong Wa Dae to accept an opposition-recommended candidate.
