Why South Korea’s Triple Special Prosecutor Teams Are Making History: Inside the Massive Deployment from the CIO

Unprecedented Scale: Three Special Prosecutors, One Nation’s Spotlight

Did you know? For the first time ever, South Korea has launched three simultaneous special prosecutor investigations targeting a former president, his wife, and a military scandal. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has sent a total of 10 personnel—4 prosecutors and 6 investigators—to these teams, signaling the beginning of the country’s most ambitious legal probe yet. This move comes after President Lee Jae-myung approved the special counsel bills on June 10, 2025, and the CIO officially notified the teams of their deployment on June 27. The previous task forces handling these cases have now been dissolved, as the special prosecutors take over. The scale? Nearly 600 personnel, including about 120 prosecutors, are mobilized—an operation six times larger than the 2016 Park Geun-hye scandal probe.

Who’s Investigating What? The Structure of the Triple Probes

Let’s break it down: The three special prosecutor teams each have a distinct focus. The largest, led by Cho Eun-seok, investigates allegations of rebellion and treason against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, especially his controversial martial law declaration in December. This team alone includes 60 prosecutors and will operate for up to 150 days. The second team, under Min Joong-ki, is delving into alleged crimes involving former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, including financial misconduct and election-related offenses. The third, led by Lee Myeong-hyeon, is probing the death of Marine Cpl. Chae Su-geun and possible government interference. The CIO’s 10-member dispatch is split: 6 join the Marine death team (2 prosecutors, 4 investigators), 3 go to the rebellion probe (2 prosecutors, 1 investigator), and 1 investigator joins the Kim Keon Hee team.

Why the CIO’s Role Is Crucial—and Controversial

The CIO’s involvement is not just symbolic. Under the special counsel laws, each team must include a certain number of CIO officials to ensure independence and minimize political interference. For example, the Marine death probe requires at least 10% of its staff from the CIO. This is meant to address criticism that previous investigations—run by the prosecution and police—were biased in favor of the Yoon administration. Still, some in the legal community worry that pulling so many prosecutors into special investigations could delay or disrupt other important cases, sparking debates about overlapping agencies and the efficiency of South Korea’s justice system.

Community Buzz: What Are Koreans Saying?

On forums like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, and DC Inside, reactions are mixed and passionate. Supporters argue that the scale of the investigation finally matches the gravity of the alleged crimes, and see the CIO’s dispatch as a win for accountability. Typical comments include: 'This is the transparency we needed!' and 'Finally, someone is holding the powerful to account.' Critics, however, worry about the cost and possible political motivations, with posts like: 'Is this just a witch hunt?' and 'What about regular cases that will now be delayed?' On Naver and Daum, many users express hope that these probes will restore faith in public institutions, while others remain skeptical about real change.

Cultural Context: Why This Matters to Korean Society and Its Fans

For international readers, it’s important to understand that special prosecutor investigations in Korea are rare and carry huge weight. The system was introduced in 1999, but never before have three probes run in parallel, especially targeting a former president and first lady. This reflects a broader cultural demand for transparency and accountability in government—a theme that resonates deeply in Korean pop culture, from dramas to webtoons. The public’s engagement with these investigations, both online and offline, shows a society grappling with its democratic ideals and the legacy of political scandals.

Behind the Headlines: The Legal and Political Stakes

The stakes are enormous. The special prosecutors have up to 150 days to complete their investigations, with possible extensions. Their findings could lead to high-profile indictments, reshape the political landscape, and influence upcoming elections. The fact that the CIO’s task forces have been dissolved in favor of these independent teams signals a shift toward more transparent, less politically influenced justice. Yet, the sheer size of the operation has prompted concerns about resource allocation and future legal reforms.

International Perspective: How Are Overseas Fans and Media Reacting?

Global K-culture fans and international media are watching closely. Many see the triple special counsel as a sign of Korea’s maturing democracy and willingness to confront its own power structures. International forums and K-pop fan communities have picked up on the story, often drawing parallels with political dramas and real-life scandals in their own countries. For those invested in Korean society, this is more than just a legal story—it’s a cultural moment, reflecting the nation’s ongoing struggle for justice and integrity.

What’s Next? Key Dates and What to Watch

The special prosecutor teams are expected to begin full-scale investigations in early July, after the 20-day preparation period. Already, high-profile figures like Education Minister Lee Ju-ho and former presidential security officials have been summoned for questioning. The public and media will be watching for indictments, political fallout, and whether these historic probes can deliver real accountability. For now, the dissolution of the CIO’s previous task forces marks a new chapter in South Korea’s pursuit of justice.