Seoul: The state anti-corruption investigation office conducted a raid on the presidential office for a second consecutive day, focusing on allegations that former President Yoon Suk Yeol interfered in a military investigation into the death of a Marine conscript two years ago.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) resumed its efforts to search the presidential office, following a pause to discuss the raid's method and scope. On Thursday, the raid concluded smoothly around 4:30 p.m., with cooperation from the relevant institutions, as confirmed by a CIO release.
The investigation revolves around Yoon's alleged involvement in the Marine Corps' probe into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun. Chae died in July 2023, swept away by a swollen stream in Yecheon, 161 kilometers southeast of Seoul, during a search mission in the wake of heavy rains. Marine Corps investigators held Lim Seong-geun, the former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, and seven others accountable for Chae's death, intending to transfer them to police on charges including negligent homicide.
Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup initially approved the investigation findings and the transfer plan but reversed his decision the following day, reportedly due to pressure from Yoon. The raid on Thursday aimed to secure records of meetings, entry logs, and other pertinent materials from around July 31, 2023, when speculation about Yoon's involvement began to emerge.
CIO officials reported that investigators presented a warrant to the presidential office and managed to acquire some necessary materials through mutual agreement.