On the 21st, the office of Ambassador Lee Jong-seop to Australia, who returned to Korea, submitted a petition urging the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (PCC) to summon him for questioning.
Lee's attorney, Lawyer Kim Jae-hoon, stated, "Today, we disclosed all of Ambassador Lee's domestic schedules to the PCC and requested a summons for questioning."
Sergeant Chae Mo of the Marine Corps, who died in the line of duty, is under investigation for allegations of external pressure on the investigation. On the 21st, Ambassador Lee Jong-seop to Australia returned to South Korea through Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, and responded to questions from the press. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Lawyer Kim argued, "(Regarding the death of Corporal Chae Sang-byeong) since the military does not have investigative authority, the allegation of investigation interference cannot be established," adding, "Investigation interference is a political frame and cannot be legally substantiated."
He also added, "The content of the accusation itself is an issue that can be sufficiently judged legally."
Kim said, "The PCC extended the travel ban and stated that an investigation was necessary, and since there was sufficient time to prepare for the investigation, we naturally expect the PCC to proceed with the summons this time."
Meanwhile, a PCC official stated, "We have received the petition urging the summons from Ambassador Lee's side and will review it within the investigation team."
Ambassador Lee, who is under investigation for allegedly exerting external pressure on the investigation into the death of Marine Corporal Chae Mo during his tenure as Minister of National Defense, returned on this day, 11 days after departing for Australia on the 10th following the lifting of the travel ban by the Ministry of Justice.
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