Special Inspector Choi Gil-soo said today (October 26), "I will ensure that the Office of the Special Inspector keeps its eyes wide open to monitor those subject to inspection for misconduct."

Speaking to reporters on his way to work at the Office of the Special Inspector in Jongno-gu, Seoul, that morning, Choi made the remarks, stating, "I will uphold political neutrality and operational independence to the very end."

Choi continued, "I believe that if neutrality and operational independence cannot be maintained, the special inspector system will become nominal or its effectiveness halved. I will maintain them to the end," adding, "I will be cautious myself so as not to become entangled in controversies over fairness, and I will be careful to ensure that our activities are not embroiled in such disputes either."

He also emphasized, "I will strengthen preventive inspections."

Choi said, "In the Doctrine of the Mean and The Great Learning, there is the concept of shindok (self-restraint in solitude). As you well know, I understand it carries the meaning of exercising utmost restraint and self-reflection even when alone," adding, "I consider the Special Inspector to be an institutional check that allows high-ranking public officials subject to inspection to constantly reflect on themselves and examine their own conduct."

Earlier, President Lee Jae-myung approved the appointment of Inspector Choi on October 23.

The Special Inspector is an institution tasked with inspecting misconduct involving the president's spouse, relatives within the fourth degree of kinship, and public officials at or above the rank of senior secretary in the Office of the President.

Inaugural Special Inspector Lee Seok-soo, who was appointed after being recommended by the Saenuri Party—a predecessor of the People Power Party—resigned in September 2016 while investigating allegations of wrongdoing against Woo Byung-woo, then senior presidential secretary for civil affairs.

Since then, under the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Suk Yeol administrations, the ruling and opposition parties holding the authority to recommend candidates virtually neglected doing so, stalling the appointment process and leaving the position vacant throughout.

(Photo: Yonhap News)