Seoul: A special counsel team investigating allegations that high-ranking officials interfered with a probe into the tragic death of a Marine in 2023 on Monday demanded a former commander appear for questioning this week, officials said. The team notified Lim Seong-geun, former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, to appear Wednesday -- the day of the official launch of the special probe.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Special Prosecutor Lee Myeong-hyeon and his team are seeking to look into various allegations, including negligence, over the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was swept away in a swollen stream during a search and rescue mission for victims of downpours in July 2023. The investigation into the Marine's death centers on suspicions that military and government officials, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, tried to cover up the truth behind Chae's death.
Lim, who was the commander of the unit Chae belonged to, told reporters that he would comply with the summons. President Lee Jae Myung appointed Special Prosecutor Lee to the role on June 13.