Process begins to select Lee administration's 1st prosecutor general

The Lee Jae Myung administration commenced the process on Tuesday to select its inaugural prosecutor general, a position that has remained unfilled for over a year and a half. The justice ministry announced the establishment of a nine-member committee, with a chairperson, to propose candidates for the prosecutor general's role, as mandated by law.

Former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il, who previously held the position under the previous Moon Jae-in administration, has been chosen to lead the committee. The post remained vacant following the resignation of former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, who was appointed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in July of the previous year.

The newly appointed prosecutor general will oversee the Prosecution Service, which was established on October 2 as part of recent reforms seeking to limit the investigative autonomy of prosecutors. The prosecutor general's term, like in the past, will last for two years. The justice ministry will accept public recommendations for candidates over the next eight days, commencing from Wednesday. Candidates must possess a minimum of 15 years of experience within the legal field.