Democratic And Rebuilding Korea Parties Recommend Special Prosecutors

On June 12, 2025, the Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party each took a significant step in the unfolding saga of South Korea's '3 Special Prosecutor Laws' by recommending their respective candidates for the special prosecutor positions. This move came just a day after President Lee Jae-myung formally requested recommendations for the appointments, signaling a swift political and legal response to the pressing demands of these high-profile investigations.

The Democratic Party nominated three distinguished figures: Jo Eun-seok, the former acting head of the Board of Audit and Inspection; Min Joong-ki, the former chief judge of the Seoul Central District Court; and Lee Yoon-jae, a respected professor at Myongji University's law school. Each has been chosen for their proven investigative capabilities and leadership qualities, as the party emphasized the importance of managing a large and complex special prosecution organization efficiently to deliver tangible results.

In parallel, the Rebuilding Korea Party put forward Han Dong-soo, former chief inspector of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office; Shim Jae-cheol, former chief prosecutor of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office; and Lee Myung-hyun, former head of the Ministry of National Defense's prosecution unit. Their selections underscore a blend of experience drawn from the judiciary, prosecution, and military legal sectors, aiming to meet public expectations of impartiality and competence.

President Lee Jae-myung now faces the critical task of appointing one candidate from each party's recommendations to lead the three distinct special investigations: the Naeran (internal rebellion) special prosecutor, the Kim Keon-hee special prosecutor, and the Chae Sang-byeong special prosecutor. The law mandates these appointments to be made within four days starting from June 12, with the deadline looming on June 15, 2025.

Among the Democratic Party's nominees, Jo Eun-seok has drawn particular attention. His career spans decades of public service, marked by key prosecutorial and oversight roles. Born in 1965 in Jangseong, Jeollanam-do, Jo passed the 29th Judicial Examination in 1987 and has since held posts including chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Division 3, spokesperson for the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, chief prosecutor of the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office, head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Criminal Department, chief prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, and head of the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

His tenure as acting head of the Board of Audit and Inspection further cemented his reputation as a seasoned overseer of government accountability. Notably, Jo's name resurfaced in public discourse due to a widely shared 2009 photograph capturing him smiling alongside then-investigation planning officer Hong Man-pyo during the prosecution investigation of former President Roh Moo-hyun. This image, taken at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office while Roh was being questioned, has been circulated among progressive circles, adding a layer of historical resonance to his candidacy.

Despite this, Jo was not a core member of the investigative team at that time, which was led by figures such as Lee In-gyu, Hong Man-pyo, and Woo Byung-woo. His role was more aligned with public communication as the office spokesperson. His career trajectory has spanned multiple administrations, including the politically turbulent periods of the Park Geun-hye, Moon Jae-in, and Yoon Suk-yeol governments, reflecting his adaptability and enduring presence in South Korea's legal landscape.

The Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, Noh Jong-myeon, elaborated on the party's criteria for selecting the special prosecutor candidates. He stated, "Judgment on investigative capability is important, and equally so is the ability to lead a large organization well to produce results. We evaluated candidates on their ability to distribute duties effectively and maintain control to achieve outcomes." This emphasis highlights the complex demands placed on these special prosecutors, who must navigate politically sensitive investigations while managing extensive teams.

The '3 Special Prosecutor Laws' themselves are a response to recent political and legal controversies requiring independent and thorough investigations. The Naeran Special Prosecutor Law, passed by the National Assembly on June 5, 2025, aims to investigate allegations of internal rebellion, while the other two laws focus on inquiries related to Kim Keon-hee and Chae Sang-byeong, figures whose cases have stirred public and political debate.

The Rebuilding Korea Party's nominees bring a complementary set of experiences. Han Dong-soo's background as chief inspector of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office equips him with insight into prosecutorial oversight, while Shim Jae-cheol's tenure as chief prosecutor of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office adds frontline prosecutorial experience. Lee Myung-hyun's military legal expertise as former head of the Ministry of National Defense's prosecution unit rounds out the trio, suggesting a comprehensive approach to the special investigations.

With the deadline for appointments fast approaching, the national spotlight remains fixed on President Lee Jae-myung's decisions. The appointments will not only shape the trajectory of these critical investigations but also signal the administration's commitment to transparency and justice amid a politically charged environment.

This phase marks a pivotal moment in South Korea's ongoing efforts to reinforce judicial independence and public trust in the legal system. As the special prosecutors prepare to take the helm, the nation watches closely, anticipating the outcomes that could have far-reaching implications for governance and the rule of law.