Seoul: The special counsel investigating the 2023 death of a Marine has indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of allegedly interfering with a military probe into the case. Yoon is accused of ordering the presidential office and the defense ministry to reverse the initial findings of a military investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, aiming to relieve a then Marine commander of responsibility.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon's indictment adds to other charges previously brought against him, including his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. He will face trial on charges of abuse of power and tampering with official documents. The special counsel has also indicted 10 others, including former spy chief Cho Tae-yong and former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, for their alleged involvement in Chae's case under Yoon's instructions.
The special counsel asserts that Yoon issued unlawful orders to the defense ministry and the presidential office, exceeding his presidential authority. "The president as the head of the government has the authority to oversee investigative agencies through the heads of each ministry, but this is of a general and declaratory nature, which should be exercised in accordance with the rule of law and principles of due process," the special counsel stated.
"Going beyond this and making specific instructions for a specific case undermines the fairness and independence of investigations, and infringes upon people's basic rights through arbitrary law enforcement that is not permitted," it added. The investigation centers around the death of the Marine, who died in July 2023 after being swept away in a swollen stream during a search mission for victims of heavy rains, without wearing a life vest or other safety equipment.
It has also emerged that Lee was appointed by Yoon as the ambassador to Australia in March 2024, leading to suspicions that Yoon facilitated his evasion of responsibility over the Marine's death case. Former President Yoon has denied all allegations against him.