Seoul: The presidential office announced plans to relocate its facilities back to the historic Cheong Wa Dae compound in central Seoul later this month, following extensive repairs and renovations. Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, revealed the relocation details during a press briefing that marked six months of the Lee Jae Myung administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the relocation is set to be completed around Christmas. Kang stated that environmental maintenance and communication work at Cheong Wa Dae have been finalized, with the briefing room scheduled to move between December 20 and 23. This marks a return to tradition for the presidential office, which was moved to the defense ministry compound in Yongsan by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2022.

President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June, had pledged to return the office to Cheong Wa Dae once the renovations were complete. Kang also addressed the issue of appointing a special inspector, confirming that President Lee will do so once the National Assembly recommends suitable candidates.

The office of the special inspector, created in 2014 to investigate alleged irregularities involving the president's close associates, has been vacant since 2016. Kang emphasized the necessity for the National Assembly to recommend three candidates with at least 15 years of legal experience, from which the president will select one.

The push for a special inspector gained momentum following the resignation of Kim Nam-kuk, the presidential secretary for digital communications, amid allegations of improper personnel requests. The controversy highlighted the need for vigilant oversight within the administration.