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| ▲ Col. Park Jung-hun of the Marine Corps attends a military questioning in Seoul, in this file photo taken Sept. 20, 2023. (Yonhap) |
Marine death-complaint
Complaint filed against Yoon, 4 officials for suspected pressure in Marine probe
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- Civic groups filed a complaint against President Yoon Suk Yeol and four former and current senior security officials Tuesday over suspicions of putting pressure on an investigation into the death of a young Marine.
Two progressive civic groups -- the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and Minbyun -- filed the complaint with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, accusing the officials of abuse of authority.
The accused include National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong, Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo and former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup.
The complaint involves the Marine Corps' investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was swept away by an overflowing stream in Yecheon County, 161 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in July while on a mission to search for victims of downpours. Chae's death has sparked criticism that his commanders pushed for the risky operation without proper safety measures.
In the probe led by Col. Park Jung-hun, then a top Marine investigator, eight people, including the commander of the 1st Marine Division, were found responsible for negligent homicide and other charges and the finding was reported to Lee in late July.
The then minister had initially approved the report, but a day later he reversed his decision and ordered Park to delay it for more legal deliberations.
Park, however, transferred the records to the civilian police the same week, which led to his dismissal from his post and subsequent accusations and indictments on charges of insubordination and defamation of his superior.
Park told the media that he had felt pressured to drop suspicions against the division commander and claimed that the former defense minister had inquired whether the commander would have to face punishment.
The civic groups accused the officials of exerting pressure in Park's investigation and trying to cover up suspicions connected to Chae's death.
"An independent investigation and fact-finding are necessary for these people who obstructed the investigation into Chae's death and eroded social trust in the fair execution of state functions," civic activists said.
They also accused Yoon of making remarks in opposition to any punishment against the division chief, calling for an inspection of the minutes of presidential meetings at that time.
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