Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung has appointed three independent counsels to investigate a series of allegations involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol, his wife, and the death of a Marine. The ruling Democratic Party disclosed on Friday that the presidential office confirmed these appointments on Thursday night, following their submission of recommendations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee has tasked Cho Eun-suk, former acting chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection, with investigating charges against Yoon related to the martial law incident in December, including insurrection and military mutiny. Similarly, Min Joong-ki, a former chief of the Seoul Central District Court, will lead the investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The allegations against her include stock price manipulation, accepting a luxury bag, and interference in the election nomination process.

Additionally, Lee Myeong-hyeon, a former senior official in the Defense Ministry's prosecutors' office, has been appointed to investigate the death of a Marine in July 2023. The appointments resulted from recommendations by the ruling party for Cho and Min, while the Rebuilding Korea Party suggested Lee.

Independent counsels are expected to have up to 20 days for preparation before commencing full-scale investigations early next month.