The special counsel team investigating a ballot paper shortage during the June 3 local elections asked President Lee Jae-myung on the 28th to appoint 10 candidates it had selected as deputy special counsels.
"At 4:30 p.m. today, we selected 10 candidates for deputy special counsel and requested that the president appoint them," Special Counsel Lee Tae-han said. Deputy special counsels work under the special counsel's direction, handling investigations, prosecutions, supervision of special investigators and dispatched public officials, and media relations. They are given treatment equivalent to that of a chief prosecutor.
The president must appoint five deputy special counsels within five days of receiving the request. If the president does not make the appointments within that period, the five oldest candidates are appointed automatically.
Lee has said forensic and investigative skills are the top criteria for selecting deputies, adding that political neutrality, objectivity, character and public standing are also assessed.
The team has sent official requests to the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency seeking the dispatch of 60 investigative personnel, including 20 prosecutors as well as prosecution investigators and police officers. As of the 28th, 14 people were working at the special counsel's office, including three dispatched prosecutors, five special investigators and six dispatched police officers.
The team plans to draw up an investigation plan and launch its full inquiry on the 7th of next month, when its mandate formally begins.
