이 대통령, 최길수 후보 지명…‘10년 공석’ 특별감찰관 자리 채운다

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol named former prosecutor Choi Gil-soo (60) as a special investigation officer candidate on the 24th. If Choi secures the appointment through a legislative committee hearing, the 10-year vacant special investigation officer position will be filled. The president also accepted the resignation of Law Ministry Director General Chung Seong-ho, stating that it is due to his deteriorating health and the need to prevent any operational issues in government affairs.

The chief spokesman for the Presidential Office explained that President Yoon designated Choi as a special investigation officer candidate who specializes in investigative work and power abuse investigations, and is an independent party who will take on the role to prevent corruption and restore proper appointments to critical positions.

Choi served as the representative of Law Firm Apex in the Ministry of Justice, worked as a special prosecutor for the Gwangju Special Prosecutor's Office, and was the chief investigator for the Seongbuk Special Prosecutor's Office. Choi also held positions as a prosecutor for the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and the Special Investigation Division.

In 2019, Choi was recommended as a special investigation officer by the Democratic Party when it was the opposition. After the legislative committee hearing, the president will appoint Choi for a three-year term. The special investigation officer is responsible for monitoring the president's spouse, close relatives within a 4-kilometer radius, and key officials in the presidential office.

Choi served as the provisional special investigation officer under President Park Geun-hye, but resigned after 1.5 years due to health concerns.