How does Choi Kil-su plan to carry out inspections as special inspector?

Choi said inspections should involve information gathering rather than waiting for complaints or lawsuits. He pledged to act proactively and conduct rigorous inspections.

When was the presidential special inspector post created, and how long had it been vacant?

The post was created in 2014. Choi is the first presidential special inspector appointed since late 2016.

Presidential special inspector vows political neutrality, independence

Q: What will presidential special inspector Choi Kil-su investigate?

Choi’s duties cover corruption allegations involving President Lee Jae Myung’s spouse and close relatives, as well as senior presidential aides. The post is tasked with inspecting irregularities involving those groups.

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Summary

Choi Kil-su began work as presidential special inspector in central Seoul on Monday, pledging political neutrality and professional independence. Appointed by President Lee Jae Myung on Friday, he is tasked with inspecting irregularities involving the president’s spouse and close relatives, as well as senior presidential aides. Choi said he would conduct rigorous, proactive inspections rather than wait for complaints or lawsuits.

Key Facts

The special inspector post was created in 2014 and had been without an appointee since late 2016.
Choi said he felt a heavy responsibility and would work to meet public expectations.
He described his intended role as a “panopticon,” referring to a circular prison design that allows inmates to be constantly monitored.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 26, 2026 10:52 am KST

Choi Kil-su, the new presidential special inspector, speaks to the press at his office in central Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

The new presidential special inspector, Choi Kil-su, on Monday pledged to uphold political neutrality and professional independence as he began his duties inspecting irregularities involving the president's spouse and close relatives.

Choi made the remarks to reporters at his office in central Seoul, following President Lee Jae Myung's formal appointment of him Friday to the post tasked with inspecting corruption allegations involving the president's family and close relatives, as well as senior presidential aides.

He is the first presidential special inspector appointed since late 2016, following the post's creation in 2014.

"I will uphold political neutrality and independence in carrying out my duties to the end," Choi told reporters, adding he feels a heavy responsibility and will work to meet the public's expectations.

Choi also pledged rigorous inspections, saying he plans to serve as a "panopticon," a circular prison design that allows inmates to be constantly monitored.

"Inspections are not something for which you have to wait, like the filings of complaints or lawsuits, but (basically) information gathering," he said, vowing to proactively carry out his duties.

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