Politics · South Korea · 10 hrs ago
South Korea's president appoints special inspector after 10-year gap
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung appointed Choi Gil-su as special inspector on October 30.
The post had been vacant since the first inspector resigned in September 2016.
Lee said the inspector had much to do and stressed early action and prevention when problems arise.
Choi has said he wants the inspector’s office to strengthen preventive oversight of those it monitors.
Lee also cautioned special advisers Song Young-gil and Kim Byung-joo that their words and actions could be taken as the government’s position.
The appointments included nine people serving as advisers and leaders of presidential committees.
Lee urged those committees to give practical advice and convey views from people in their fields.
President Lee Jae Myung presented an appointment certificate to special inspector Choi Kil-su at a ceremony in Seoul on Oct. 30.
Choi is tasked with inspecting irregularities involving the president’s spouse, close relatives and senior presidential officials.
The appointment came about 10 years after the previous special inspector resigned in September 2016.
Lee told Choi to respond promptly when problems arise and to focus on prevention.
The ceremony also included appointments or certificates for nine other officials, according to Donga Ilbo.
- Who
- President Lee Jae Myung appointed Choi Kil-su as presidential special inspector.
- What
- Lee presented Choi with his certificate of appointment.
- When
- Oct. 30, 2026.
- Where
- Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- Choi is tasked with inspecting irregularities involving the president’s spouse, close relatives and senior presidential officials.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lee Seok-su, the first special inspector, resigned.
Choi spoke on his first day at work and stressed strengthening preventive inspections.
Lee presented Choi with his appointment certificate at a ceremony in Cheong Wa Dae.
- Appointee
- Choi Kil-su
- Appointing president
- Lee Jae Myung
- Appointment ceremony
- Oct. 30, 2026, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul
- Inspection remit
- Irregularities involving the president’s spouse, close relatives and senior presidential officials
- Previous special inspector’s resignation
- Lee Seok-su resigned in September 2016
- Other ceremony recipients
- 9 officials, according to Donga Ilbo
3 sources
What people are saying
the inspector has a lot to do
Above all, early response when a problem occurs and prevention in advance are important.
We want the Special Inspector’s Office to become like a panopticon, with its eyes wide open to monitor those subject to inspection.