Special prosecutors investigating the insurgency, Kim Keon-hee, and the death of a Marine have officially begun organizing the special investigation team, including the appointment of special prosecutors. The special prosecutor's assistant is responsible for investigating the case and maintaining prosecution under the direction and supervision of the special prosecutor, supervising special investigators and dispatched officials, and handling media relations, receiving treatment equivalent to that of a chief prosecutor.
According to the legal community on the 14th, Lee Myung-hyun (63, military legal officer, 9th term), the special prosecutor investigating the allegations of obstruction of the investigation into the death of a Marine, met with attorney Kim Jeong-min, the lawyer of Colonel Park Jeong-hun (former head of the Marine Corps investigation team), the day before and listened to his opinions.
It is reported that the special prosecutor met with attorney Kim for about three hours to discuss the composition of the special prosecutor and related opinions on the case. At this meeting, the special prosecutor suggested that attorney Kim participate as a special prosecutor's assistant, but Kim declined this due to concerns about the fairness of the investigation.
In connection with this, Im Seong-geun, the former commander of the 1st Marine Division, who was accused of negligent homicide in the line of duty, raised concerns about the fairness of the investigation. In a statement posted on an online cafe that day, he said, "I express serious concerns about the preconceived notions and biased attitude of this special prosecutor," and urged that they publicly apologize immediately for raising national doubts about fairness.
The special prosecutor Min Jung-ki, who is investigating allegations related to Kim Keon-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, also met the day before with former Presiding Judge Moon Hong-joo (31st Judicial Research and Training Institute) to discuss matters related to the special investigation. Former Judge Moon has served as a judge at the Seoul Central District Court, a chief judge at the Daejeon District Court, and a chief judge at the Suwon Family Court, and is currently active as a lawyer.
The special prosecutor Jo Eun-seok, who is investigating the insurgency related to the emergency martial law on Dec. 3, visited the Seoul High Prosecutor's Office the day before and discussed relevant issues for over an hour with Park Se-hyun, head of the special investigation team on emergency martial law (Seoul High Prosecutor).
Special prosecutor Jo is also searching for offices to be used for the insurgency investigation while examining facilities at the prosecution, police, and the government Gyeonggi government office. Through a media announcement, special prosecutor Jo explained, "The insurgency investigation is mainly concerned with military matters, so there may be security issues such as the leak of military secrets when performing duties in commercial buildings."
According to the Special Prosecutor Act, the special prosecutor can make necessary preparations during the preparation period of up to 20 days from the appointment made on the 12th, including requesting the appointment of special prosecutors' assistants, securing offices, and forming investigation teams. Once the preparation period ends, the investigation period begins immediately, and the investigation must be completed within the legally specified 150 to 120 days.