Seoul: A special counsel team announced on Thursday its decision to extend the investigation into alleged government interference in the 2023 probe of a Marine's death for an additional 30 days, until September 29.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the investigation led by Special Counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon into the military's handling of Cpl. Chae Su-geun's death was initially scheduled to conclude next Saturday, having commenced on July 2. The extension allows the investigation to continue until September 29, in compliance with a special counsel bill passed in June that permits the investigation to last up to 120 days.
Assistant Special Counsel Choung Min-young indicated that the team requires further time to conduct questioning and analyze evidence. They intend to officially inform President Lee Jae Myung and the National Assembly about the extension in the coming week.
The investigation centers on claims that initial suspects in the probe were exonerated following alleged interference by senior officials from the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration, including the ex-president. Cpl. Chae's death occurred during a mission to find victims of torrential rain, as he was swept away by an overflowing stream.