Seoul: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved bills to appoint special counsels to investigate a botched martial law attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol and corruption allegations against his wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee. President Lee Jae-myung presided over the Cabinet meeting that also approved a special counsel probe into the drowning death of a Marine during a 2023 rescue operation for flood victims.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee is widely expected to endorse the three bills and promulgate them, with the recommendation and appointment of special prosecutors likely to follow. One of the bills targeting Yoon mandates a permanent special counsel to investigate 11 charges, including insurrection and military mutiny, over his failed martial law bid in December.
Another bill against former first lady Kim is aimed at launching a special probe into allegations of stock price manipulation, her acceptance of a luxury bag, and interference with the election nomination process. The approval of these bills indicates a significant step toward addressing high-profile allegations involving a former head of state and his family.