Seoul: The special counsel investigating the 2023 death of a Marine has indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, along with 11 other former senior security and defense officials, on charges of exerting undue pressure on the military's investigation into the case.
According to Yonhap News Agency, 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 Corporal Chae Su-geun. This alleged interference was reportedly intended to absolve a then Marine commander of responsibility. The latest indictment against Yoon comes in addition to previous charges related to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. Although Yoon will stand trial on charges of abuse of power and tampering with official documents, this indictment has been made without physical detention. Yoon had already been placed under arrest for the martial law-related charges.
The special counsel has also indicted 11 others, including former spy chief Cho Tae-yong and former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, for their alleged involvement in Chae's case at Yoon's instructions. Corporal Chae Su-geun died on July 19, 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. A military investigation into the incident concluded that eight individuals, including Lim Seong-geun, former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, were suspected of occupational negligence resulting in death.
Initially, Lee, then the defense minister, had approved the investigation report without objection. However, he later ordered that the probe not be referred to the police after Yoon reportedly "burst into rage" upon being briefed on its findings. Col. Park Jung-hoon, who led the Marine Corps' investigation into Chae's death, was dismissed from his position for defying Lee's orders.
The special counsel asserts that Yoon made unlawful orders to the defense ministry and the presidential office at the time, exceeding his presidential authority. The special counsel stated that while the president has the authority to oversee investigative agencies through ministry heads, this should be done in accordance with the rule of law and principles of due process. Making specific instructions for a particular case, as Yoon allegedly did, undermines the fairness and independence of investigations and infringes upon people's basic rights through arbitrary law enforcement.
In March 2024, Lee was appointed by Yoon as the ambassador to Australia, raising suspicions that Yoon may have helped him evade responsibility for the Marine's death case. Yoon has denied all allegations against him.