Special Inspector Choi Gilsu: "Uphold Neutrality and Independence to the End... Become a 'Panopticon'"

Special Inspector Choi Gilsu on his first day at work on the 26th
"I feel an immense sense of responsibility at being appointed the first special inspector in 10 years"

Special Inspector Choi Gilsu said on his first day reporting to work on the 26th, "I will uphold political neutrality and independence in carrying out my duties to the very end."

Speaking at his office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, that day, Choi said, "I feel an immense sense of responsibility at being appointed the first special inspector in 10 years." This is the first appointment of a special inspector since Inspector Lee Seok-su resigned under the Park Geun-hye administration. Choi pledged, "I will take precautions to avoid being embroiled in disputes over fairness, and will work to ensure that our activities do not become embroiled in such disputes either."

Special Inspector Choi Gilsu is walking to give a doorstep interview at the Office of the Special Inspector in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 26, 2026. Photo by Kang Jinhyung.

"We will strengthen preventive inspections," he said, pledging, "The Office of the Special Inspector will become something like a Panopticon, keeping a close watch on those subject to inspection." The Panopticon is a circular prison proposed by British philosopher Jeremy Bentham. Because they cannot see their observers, the prisoners are led to watch their own behavior.

He was also asked how he would handle allegations involving the president's closest aides who are not subject to inspection. Under current law, the special inspector oversees the president, the president's spouse, relatives within the fourth degree of kinship, and public officials at senior secretary level or above. Kim Hyun-ji, the first deputy chief of staff and considered one of President Lee Jae-myung's closest aides, and former policy chief Kim Yong-beom, who has already left office, are not subject to inspection.

"I would be punished if I conducted an inspection in violation of the law," Choi said, dismissing the possibility. "A third party can only be a witness; they cannot be subject to inspection." His point was that inspections of anyone not specified in the law are not permitted. Asked about discussions in the National Assembly on expanding the scope of those subject to inspection, Choi replied, "I will act in accordance with the law."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.