Who is Choi Kil-su and what did he say at his special inspector confirmation hearing?

Choi Kil-su, a former senior prosecutor, said he would not be swayed by external pressure or political considerations. He said he would decide only on law, principles, objective facts and evidence.

Why was the special inspector hearing held after 11 years?

The hearing was held because President Lee Jae Myung nominated Choi Kil-su for the special inspector post, which has been vacant since 2016. The position had not had a confirmation hearing since March 2015.

What is the special inspector post in South Korea supposed to investigate?

The post was created in 2014 to investigate alleged irregularities involving the president's spouse and close relatives, as well as senior presidential officials. Choi said it should also help heighten discipline and accountability among public officials.

Confirmation hearing for special inspector nominee held for 1st time in 11 years

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Summary

A parliamentary confirmation hearing was held Friday in the National Assembly for special inspector nominee Choi Kil-su, marking the first such hearing in 11 years. Choi was nominated by President Lee Jae Myung from among three candidates recommended by rival parties and the bar association last month. He said he would decide solely on law, principles, objective facts and evidence, and said the post should strengthen discipline and accountability among public officials. The special inspector post has been vacant since 2016.

Key Facts

Choi Kil-su is a former senior prosecutor nominated by President Lee Jae Myung from among three candidates recommended by rival parties and the bar association last month.
The special inspector post was established in 2014 to investigate alleged irregularities involving the president's spouse, close relatives and senior presidential officials.
The post has remained vacant since 2016.
The last confirmation hearing for the position was held in March 2015.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 18, 2026 5:19 pm KST

Choi Kil-su, the nominee for the special inspector, speaks during his parliamentary confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul, Sept. 18. Yonhap

A parliamentary confirmation hearing was held Friday for a special inspector nominee tasked with investigating corruption allegations involving the family and relatives of the president and senior aides to the president, marking the first of its kind in 11 years.

Choi Kil-su, a former senior prosecutor, was nominated by President Lee Jae Myung from among three candidates recommended by the rival parties and the bar association last month.

"I will not be swayed by any external pressure or political considerations and will make decisions solely based on the law and principles, as well as objective facts and evidence," Choi said during his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly.

"I will ensure that the very existence of the special inspector serves as a mechanism that heightens discipline and accountability among public officials and helps prevent misconduct," he said.

The special inspector post was established in 2014 to conduct investigations into alleged irregularities involving the president's spouse and close relatives, and senior presidential officials, but has remained vacant since 2016.

The last confirmation hearing for the post was held in March 2015.

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