Seoul: South Korea's anti-graft agency conducted a raid on the presidential office for the second day in a row, as part of an investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's alleged meddling in a military inquiry. The probe is linked to the 2023 drowning of Lance Corporal Chae Su-geun during a search mission, as reported by Yonhap News.
According to Anadolu Agency, the investigation revolves around Yoon's alleged interference in the Marine Corps' inquiry, which had initially found that Lim Seong-geun, the former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, along with seven other officers, should be held accountable for the incident. The military investigators recommended transferring these officers to the police on charges of negligent homicide, among others.
Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup had initially approved these findings and the transfer plan. However, he later reversed the decision, purportedly under the direction of Yoon.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) reported that they acquired crucial materials, including meeting records and entry logs from late July 2023, when suspicions about Yoon's involvement first arose.
CIO officials noted that the search on Thursday went 'smoothly,' with the presidential office cooperating in providing the requested documents. Yoon was ousted from office earlier this month by the Constitutional Court, which upheld his impeachment by the National Assembly due to his failed martial law attempt on December 3.
Should the insurrection charges be proven in court, Yoon could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty.