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Min Joong-ki, special counsel investigating First Lady Kim Keon-hee, arrives at his temporary office in Seocho District, Seoul, on June 20. / Source: Yonhap News

The special counsel team investigating former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s alleged involvement in the December 3 martial law declaration has officially appointed six assistant counsels, accelerating the formation of investigative teams for all three ongoing special investigations.

On June 20, Special Counsel Cho Eun-seok confirmed the appointments of five former prosecutors — Kim Hyung-soo, Park Eok-soo, Park Ji-young, Park Tae-ho, and Lee Yoon-je — as well as one former police officer, attorney Jang Woo-sung. These six will support the rebellion investigation that centers on charges of insurrection and treason against Yoon and several former top officials.

According to legal sources, the assistant counsels were selected for their extensive experience in public security and special investigations. The Korea Bar Association had recommended Kim Hyung-soo and Park Eok-soo as candidates earlier this week.

Assistant counsels, under the command of the special prosecutor, are tasked with conducting investigations, maintaining indictments, supervising investigators and dispatched personnel, and overseeing public communications. They hold ranks equivalent to chief prosecutors.

Kim Hyung-soo previously served in key positions at the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office, Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office, and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. He joined Namsan Law Firm in June of last year. Park Eok-soo served in various high-profile positions including chief prosecutor for environmental and health crimes, and later became the managing partner at law firms B&H and Igong.

Park Ji-young held several roles in the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, and is currently a partner at the law firm Bae, Kim & Lee. Park Tae-ho, who once served in the presidential office, is now with Kim & Chang. Lee Yoon-je, a law professor at Myongji University and former UN war crimes tribunal research officer, brings both legal and academic expertise. Jang Woo-sung, the only former police officer among the six, adds enforcement diversity to the team.

The rebellion probe officially began on June 18, with the indictment of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on charges of obstruction of official duties and incitement to destroy evidence. A detention review for Kim is scheduled at the Seoul Central District Court on June 23.

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Lee Myung-hyun, special counsel investigating the death of a marine, enters his office in Seocho District, Seoul, on June 20. / Source: Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Special Counsel Min Joong-ki, who is investigating alleged misconduct by First Lady Kim Keon-hee, began operations with several dispatched prosecutors joining the team. Min requested five prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice, and four reported for duty on June 20. An additional request for 28 more dispatches was also submitted the same day.

Separately, the special counsel team led by Lee Myung-hyun, investigating the suspicious death of a marine, is awaiting official approval for its assistant counsel nominees. Lee submitted eight candidates on June 18. Under the Special Counsel Act, the president must confirm the appointments within three days — by June 21.

Once appointments are finalized, Lee’s team plans to collect investigative records from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and the Daegu District Prosecutors’ Office before formally beginning its inquiry.