South Korea launches search for first prosecutor general under Lee administration

On Tuesday, the Lee Jae Myung administration started the selection of its inaugural prosecutor general, a position that has remained vacant for more than a year and three months. The justice ministry set up a nine-member committee, including a chairperson, with former prosecutor general Moon Moo-il appointed as chair. The vacancy follows the resignation of Shim Woo-jung, who was appointed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Under the recent reform that removed prosecutors' independent investigative powers, the new prosecutor general will lead the Prosecution Service and serve a two-year term. The ministry will accept public recommendations for eight days, requiring candidates to have at least 15 years of legal experience. After reviewing the submissions, the committee will recommend three candidates to the justice minister, who will choose one to forward to President Lee for appointment.