The government has started the process of selecting the first director of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, saying anyone can recommend candidates.

On October 2nd, the Ministry of Government launched a process for nominating the Director-General of the Major Criminal Investigation Agency (Midju Cheongguk) by setting up a candidate recommendation committee. From October 26th, citizens are allowed to recommend potential nominees. The Director-General of the Ministry, Yu Ho-jung, explained in a briefing on October 19th that the significance of the Midju Cheongguk Director-General differs from that of the Prosecution Agency, as it is tasked with protecting citizens' rights and shielding them from criminal activities.

He stated that the recommendation process involving citizens will be formally conducted, and they will be respected and taken into consideration at the initial review by the Candidate Recommendation Committee. If no suitable candidate emerges from the recommendations, the Director-General may submit additional candidates according to the Midju Cheongguk Act.

The Ministry expects the appointment of the Midju Cheongguk Director-General by the end of September. The committee consists of 9 members, including 6 direct officials and 3 consultative officials. The direct officials include a Deputy Minister of Justice, a Ministry of Government Chancellery, a Deputy Director-General of the Court Administration, the Chairman of the Korean Bar Association, the Chairman of the Korean Law Association, and the Vice President of the Korean Law School Association.

The consultative officials include a professor from Seoul National University Law School, a senior partner at a law firm, and the Auditor of the Korean Bar Association. The Director-General of the Ministry has appointed Professor Kim Joo-won of Seoul National University as the chairperson of the Candidate Recommendation Committee, based on his nomination.

Anyone, including individuals, companies, and organizations, can recommend a candidate for the Midju Cheongguk Director-General, provided they meet the criteria of 15 years of relevant work experience or service, hold the necessary qualifications as per the Midju Cheongguk Act, and have no disqualifications. The Ministry will submit suitable candidates, including those recommended by citizens, to the Candidate Recommendation Committee, which will then evaluate their eligibility and recommend at least three candidates to the Director-General for appointment.