President Lee Renews Call for Special Inspector Appointment

President Lee Jae-myung's persistent calls for the appointment of a special inspector highlight a crucial aspect of democratic governance: the necessity of institutional checks and balances. The special inspector, tasked with monitoring the president's inner circle, serves as a vital mechanism to uphold public trust and prevent the abuse of power. The fact that this position has remained vacant for nine years, spanning multiple administrations, speaks volumes about the political gridlock and the reluctance of parties to empower independent oversight.

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All power must be subject to institutional scrutiny.

President Lee's administration views the special inspector as essential for 'establishing public integrity and enhancing the transparency of state administration.' This stance aligns with the fundamental democratic principle that 'all power must be subject to institutional scrutiny.' The President's repeated requests, even during his state visits, underscore the urgency and importance he places on this matter. The Hankyoreh supports this call, recognizing that a functioning special inspector's office can significantly bolster confidence in the government.

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The appointment of a special inspector is essential for establishing public integrity and enhancing the transparency of state administration.

The historical context of the special inspector's office is particularly telling. Established during the Park Geun-hye administration, the first special inspector, Lee Suk-soo, eventually resigned after investigating allegations against a high-ranking official. Since then, both the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Suk-yeol administrations have failed to fill the post, with political disputes hindering the appointment process. The Democratic Party's current willingness to proceed with the appointment, while the People Power Party initially dismisses it as a 'stunt' before welcoming it as 'better late than never,' reveals the partisan nature of this long-standing issue.

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The special inspector is a system established to prevent power-related corruption by the president's relatives and special associates, and its mere existence can enhance trust in the president and the government.

From our perspective, the prolonged vacancy of the special inspector's office is not merely an administrative oversight but a symptom of a deeper political malaise. It raises questions about the commitment of successive governments to accountability. While Western media might report on the procedural aspects of the appointment, we at Hankyoreh emphasize the underlying principle of preventing power from going unchecked. The President's insistence on filling this role, despite the political challenges, demonstrates a commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, a narrative that is particularly relevant in South Korea's dynamic political landscape.

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Although it is late, we welcome it.