Lee appoints special inspector to probe corruption involving first family, aides

President Lee Jae Myung has appointed a former senior prosecutor, Choi Kil-su, as a special inspector to investigate corruption allegations involving the president's family, relatives, and senior presidential aides, according to Kang Yu-jung, the president's spokesperson. The decision came a day after the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee adopted a confirmation hearing report on Choi with bipartisan support.

This marks the first time a presidential watchdog has been appointed since 2016. Choi was nominated by both ruling and opposition parties, as well as the bar association, among three candidates recommended for the post. The special inspector's role is to probe corruption allegations related to the president's family, relatives, and senior aides.

The position was created in 2014 but had remained vacant since its first inspector resigned in September 2016.