Seoul: The presidential office announced Thursday that it has requested political parties to recommend nominees for special counsels to investigate former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid, corruption allegations involving his wife, and the death of a Marine. This request follows the enactment of three bills designed to address these issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the presidential office has called on the ruling Democratic Party and the minor Rebuilding Korea Party to submit their nominations for each of the probes. This was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Following the submission of recommendations, President Lee Jae-myung is mandated to appoint the special counsels within a three-day timeframe.

The appointed special counsels will have a preparatory period of up to 20 days, with full-scale investigations anticipated to commence early next month. The investigations are set to involve approximately 600 personnel, including 120 dispatched prosecutors, and will encompass a broad range of allegations against Yoon and former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The duration of the probes could be extended for up to 170 days.

Upon the promulgation of the bills, President Lee expressed his hope that the new legislation, the first since he assumed office last week, would uncover the truth behind Yoon's martial law attempt and contribute to the restoration of constitutional order. One of the bills focusing on Yoon mandates a permanent special counsel to investigate 11 charges, including insurrection and military mutiny, related to his failed martial law bid in December.

This bill, which was previously vetoed and discarded twice, has been reintroduced with an expanded scope, increasing the number of charges from six to 11. Another bill targeting the former first lady seeks to initiate a special probe into allegations of stock price manipulation, acceptance of a luxury bag, and interference with the election nomination process.

These comprehensive investigations will intensify legal pressure on Yoon, who was removed from office in April and is currently on trial for charges of leading an insurrection and abuse of power in connection with martial law.