Seoul:President Lee Jae Myung has appointed a former senior prosecutor as the special inspector to investigate alleged irregularities involving his spouse, close relatives, and senior presidential officials.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the appointment of Choi Kil-su was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. This decision came a day after the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee adopted a confirmation hearing report on him with bipartisan support.

This appointment marks the first time since 2016 that a presidential watchdog has been appointed. Choi was nominated by President Lee from a list of three candidates recommended by the ruling and opposition parties, as well as the bar association.

The special inspector role, created in 2014, has been vacant since the resignation of the first inspector in September 2016. The inspector is responsible for investigating corruption allegations concerning the president's family, relatives, and senior aides.