South Korea Launches Largest-Ever Special Prosecution Teams with 267 Members for Martial Law, Marine Death, and Ex-First Lady Scandals

Introduction to South Korea's Largest Special Prosecution Effort

On June 12, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung appointed three special prosecutors to lead investigations into three major controversies: the December 3, 2024 martial law attempt, the suspicious death of a Marine Corporal during flood rescue operations, and allegations of stock price manipulation involving former First Lady Kim Geon-hee. These investigations represent the largest special prosecution effort in South Korean history, with a combined team of 267 members including prosecutors, special investigators, and support staff.

The special prosecutors have 20 days from their appointment to select deputy prosecutors, assemble their teams, and secure office space before launching formal investigations. The law mandates that investigations be completed within 120 to 150 days after commencement, emphasizing the urgency and scale of these probes.

The Martial Law Special Prosecution and Its Challenges

The special prosecutor for the martial law case, Jo Eun-seok, is tasked with investigating alleged conspiracy and insurrection related to the December 3, 2024 emergency martial law attempt. This team alone includes 60 dispatched prosecutors and a total of 267 personnel when including special investigators and administrative staff.

Due to the military nature of the case, concerns about handling classified information have led the team to seek office space within government facilities, including the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office and the former Seodaemun Police Station. Securing adequate office space for such a large team has been challenging, with the usual locations near Seoul Central District Court insufficient to accommodate the scale of operations. Cooperation from the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office has been requested to address these logistical hurdles.

Investigation into the Death of Marine Corporal Chae

The special prosecutor for the Marine death case, Lee Myung-hyun, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Corporal Chae Su-geun, who drowned during a flood rescue mission in July 2023 in Yecheon County, North Gyeongsang Province. The investigation also covers allegations of interference by high-ranking government and military officials in the initial investigation process.

Lee Myung-hyun, a veteran military legal officer with a history of investigating military corruption, has expressed determination to uncover the truth despite potential external pressures. The team has begun consultations with legal representatives involved in related military cases and is assembling a specialized team to handle this sensitive case.

Probing Former First Lady Kim Geon-hee's Stock Manipulation Allegations

The special prosecutor assigned to investigate former First Lady Kim Geon-hee, Min Joong-ki, is focusing on allegations of stock price manipulation involving Deutsche Motors. The investigation targets suspicious trades using accounts under Kim's name and connections to political brokers and election interference.

Kim Geon-hee's involvement has been a subject of intense public scrutiny, with court rulings confirming the use of her accounts in manipulative trading activities. The special prosecution team is working to clarify the extent of her knowledge and involvement, revisiting evidence such as the infamous '7-second trade' and communications with key figures in the stock manipulation network.

The team is also addressing broader allegations of political corruption linked to the former administration, including improper influence over appointments and national policy manipulation.

Scale and Composition of the Special Prosecution Teams

The three special prosecution teams combined represent an unprecedented mobilization of legal personnel in South Korea. The martial law special prosecution has 267 members including 1 special prosecutor, 6 deputy prosecutors, 60 dispatched prosecutors, 100 dispatched government officials, and 100 special investigators. The teams investigating the Marine death and Kim Geon-hee cases each have over 100 members.

Special prosecutors have the authority to appoint deputy prosecutors with at least seven years of experience as judges, prosecutors, or lawyers. These deputies assist in directing investigations, managing prosecution efforts, and handling media communications. The large scale reflects the complexity and political sensitivity of these cases.

Community and Legal Sector Reactions

Within the legal community, there is both support and concern regarding the scale of these special prosecutions. Some experts warn that the large deployment of prosecutors could delay regular public welfare investigations and complicate coordination among existing investigative bodies such as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), prosecutors, and police.

Online communities such as Naver, Tistory, and legal forums have shown mixed reactions. Many express hope that the investigations will bring transparency and justice, especially in the Marine death case and martial law conspiracy. However, some users worry about political motivations and the potential for prolonged legal battles. Representative comments highlight the unprecedented nature of this legal mobilization and the public’s demand for accountability.

Cultural and Political Context for International Readers

For international observers, understanding the cultural and political background is crucial. South Korea’s history of political scandals and military involvement in governance has made these investigations highly significant. The 2024 martial law attempt recalls past authoritarian interventions, while the Marine death case touches on military accountability and government transparency.

The involvement of the former First Lady in a high-profile financial scandal adds another layer of political intrigue, reflecting ongoing tensions between ruling and opposition parties. These investigations symbolize a broader societal demand for justice and reform in South Korea’s democratic institutions.

Conclusion: A Historic Moment in South Korea’s Judicial Oversight

The launch of these three special prosecution teams marks a historic moment in South Korea’s judicial and political landscape. With the largest-ever team assembled, the investigations into the martial law attempt, Marine death, and former First Lady’s alleged stock manipulation are set to test the country’s commitment to rule of law and transparency.

The coming months will reveal how effectively these teams navigate legal complexities, political pressures, and public expectations. For global audiences, these cases offer insight into South Korea’s evolving democracy and the challenges it faces in balancing justice with political stability.