Seoul: A special counsel team on Friday conducted a raid at the residence of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged interference with the initial probe regarding the death of a Marine conscript in 2023.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the raid on Yoon's home was part of a broader operation, targeting more than ten locations, including the home of former National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong. The investigation is centered on accusations that Yoon and other high-ranking officials interfered with the military investigation into the death of Corporal Chae Su-geun. Chae tragically died after being swept away by a swollen stream during a search for torrential rain victims in July 2023.
During the three-hour search at Yoon's residence in southern Seoul, special prosecutors seized a mobile phone. Choi Ji-woo, a lawyer for the former president, informed reporters that the former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was alone at home during the raid. Yoon, who is facing charges of abuse of power, is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of Seoul. His arrest is linked to a separate case involving a failed martial law bid.
The investigation has particularly focused on allegations that Yoon became infuriated upon being briefed about the military's findings on Chae's death, which held a senior Marine commander accountable. Yoon allegedly disputed the findings and is accused of instructing officials to cancel a media briefing, prevent military investigators from transferring the case to the police, and alter the investigation results.
Assistant special counsel Choung Min-young stated that the team aims to delve into the specifics of a presidential office meeting where Yoon allegedly expressed his anger and issued instructions related to the case.
Simultaneously, the special counsel team raided the home of former spy chief Cho, who was reportedly present at the contentious meeting, as well as the residence of Rep. Lim Jong-deuk of the People Power Party, a former second deputy national security adviser, among other locations. These raids followed searches conducted at the defense ministry, the presidential National Security Office, and other sites on Thursday.