Seoul: Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup was questioned by a special counsel team on Wednesday as part of a widening investigation into alleged government interference in a military probe concerning the death of a young Marine in 2023. Lee Jong-sup arrived at the office of special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon in southern Seoul just before 10 a.m., marking his first appearance before the team since its establishment in July. The session extended into the evening, with Lee leaving the premises past 9 p.m.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee, who served as defense minister at the time of the Marine's death, was expected to address questions regarding his departure to Australia in March last year. This departure occurred while he was under investigation by anti-corruption officials. Lee left for Australia shortly after his appointment as Seoul's ambassador to Canberra, only to return later amid growing controversy over his exit. Special prosecutors suspect that government officials facilitated Lee's departure to evade investigation by lifting his exit ban.
Upon his arrival for questioning, Lee assured reporters of his cooperation with the investigation while dismissing the allegations surrounding the lifting of his exit ban as "ridiculous." When questioned on his way out about whether he attempted to flee from the investigation, Lee retorted, "Do you think I tried to flee?" One of his attorneys further commented, "We think those allegations are delusional." Lee refrained from addressing other charges during his time with reporters.
The special counsel team plans to summon Lee again next Tuesday to probe further into allegations that the initial suspects responsible for the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun in July 2023 were cleared due to alleged interference. Lee initially approved the initial probe results but later rescinded them following a conversation with Yoon. Cpl. Chae died after being swept away in a swollen stream during a search mission for victims of heavy rains, without wearing proper safety equipment, such as a life vest.