Photo : YONHAP News
Newly appointed Independent Inspector General Choi Kil-su pledged to uphold the principles of political neutrality and autonomy when carrying out his duties.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Choi said that failure to maintain neutrality and independence would render the office ineffective and pledged to avoid conduct that could raise questions about his impartiality.
The inspector general said he wants his office to function like a panopticon, a prison in which inmates regulate their own behavior because they believe they could be watched at any time.
Choi added, however, that his investigations were limited to the president, their spouse, relatives extending to first cousins, and senior presidential secretaries or other officials of higher ranks.
The independent inspector general position was established in 2014 to investigate criminal allegations involving presidents, their families and aides, but it has been vacant since 2016.