Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korea begins search for first prosecutor general under Lee
South Korea has begun choosing its first prosecutor general under President Lee Jae Myung.
The post has been vacant for one year and three months, since former chief Shim Woo-jung resigned last July.
The justice ministry has formed a nine-member committee, chaired by former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il, to review candidates.
The new chief will lead the Prosecution Service, launched on October 2 as part of reforms that removed prosecutors’ independent investigative powers.
The prosecutor general will serve a two-year term and must have at least 15 years of legal experience.
The public can recommend candidates for eight days starting Wednesday.
The committee will send three names to the justice minister, who will choose one for President Lee to consider.
South Korea began selecting the first prosecutor general of the Lee Jae Myung administration on Tuesday.
The post had been vacant for one year and three months after former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung resigned in July last year.
The Justice Ministry formed a nine-member committee, chaired by former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il, to recommend candidates.
The ministry will accept public recommendations for eight days from Wednesday, and candidates must have at least 15 years of legal experience.
The committee will recommend three candidates to the justice minister, who will choose one to put forward to President Lee Jae Myung.
The prosecutor general will lead the Prosecution Service and serve a two-year term.
- Who
- The South Korean government, under President Lee Jae Myung, is selecting a prosecutor general.
- What
- The process to choose the Lee administration’s first prosecutor general has begun.
- When
- It began Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. Public recommendations will be accepted for eight days from Wednesday.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The prosecutor general post has been vacant for one year and three months.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung resigned, leaving the post vacant.
The Prosecution Service was launched as part of a reform aimed at stripping prosecutors of independent investigative powers.
The Justice Ministry formed a nine-member committee to begin selecting a prosecutor general.
The ministry will accept public recommendations for eight days.
- Committee
- Nine members, including chairperson Moon Moo-il
- Candidate experience
- At least 15 years in the legal profession
- Public recommendations
- Eight days from Wednesday
- Term
- Two years
- Candidates recommended
- Three individuals to the justice minister
Sources
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