The Second Special Prosecutor Will Begin Investigations Next Week... Targeting 17 Allegations Including Insurrection and Kim Geon-hee
A special prosecutor led by Kwon Chang-young is set to begin investigations into unresolved allegations surrounding insurrection, Kim Geon-hee, and others right after the Lunar New Year holiday.
The new team of special prosecutors, headed by Kwon Chang-young, is slated to launch investigations following the Lunar New Year holiday, focusing on allegations that have remained unresolved during prior investigations. Kwon's team has been busy preparing its operational framework throughout the holiday period, including assembling its staff and office space. Soon after the holidays, President Lee Jae-myung is expected to appoint a panel of special prosecutors, which will enable the team to commence their work, with up to 251 personnel, including special investigators and supporting staff, planned for deployment.
The focus of the investigation will span an array of serious allegations, with particular attention given to seven key insurrection-related concerns. These include incidents such as unauthorized drone infiltrations into Pyongyang, preparations for insurrection linked to the 'Noh Sang-won notebook', illegal civilian surveillance by intelligence agencies, and potential complicity in martial law by government bodies. Kwon emphasized the gravity and scale of insurrection-related events, highlighting their importance in the scope of the investigation. Furthermore, allegations involving Kim Geon-hee, wife of the former president, including accusations of influencing governmental decisions and attempts to hush up investigations into her involvement, have also emerged as high-priority targets for scrutiny.
The ongoing dismissals of charges in related cases could add pressure on Kwon's team, as highlighted by recent court decisions affecting other implicated parties. As the special prosecutor's office embarks on this far-reaching investigation, there are raised expectations regarding the transparency and accountability that might unfold in South Korea's political landscape, particularly concerning the involvement of high-ranking officials and their families in potentially corrupt practices.