Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the importance of public input and thoughtful consideration as the ruling Democratic Party (DP) advocates for a special probe into allegations that he was indicted on multiple charges based on fabricated evidence during the previous administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hong Ihk-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, highlighted Lee's stance during a press briefing. This follows the DP's proposal of a bill last week, which seeks to mandate a special counsel investigation into claims that the prosecution under the leadership of the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration unjustly indicted Lee. These allegations include involvement in a real estate development scandal, purportedly backed by fraudulent investigations and evidence.

Lee, who had been standing trial on several charges, saw proceedings paused or indefinitely delayed after assuming office in June last year. The proposed bill would empower a special counsel to take over Lee's cases from the prosecution and determine whether to proceed with them. Additionally, it grants the president the authority to appoint the counsel from a list of three recommended candidates.

Opposition lawmakers have expressed concerns that the bill would allow the special counsel to dismiss charges against Lee, viewing it as an attempt to absolve him of the accusations. On Monday, Hong conveyed Lee's message urging the DP, as the ruling party, to determine the specific timing and procedures for the bill through public input and careful deliberation.

The presidential secretary further described the proposed special counsel probe as essential, asserting that a related parliamentary inspection has revealed "illegal acts and unjust investigations" conducted under Yoon's administration. Hong argued that public awareness and understanding of the necessity for a special counsel probe have been established.

His comments are widely interpreted as indicative of Lee's support for the bill while advocating for a cautious approach to its timing and implementation.