Former Deputy Defense Minister Shin Beom-cheol Leaves People Power Party Ahead of Summons in 'Chae Sang-byeong Incident'

Shin Beomcheol Former Vice Minister "Lost Twice... Will Give Opportunities to Juniors"

Shin Beom-cheol, former Deputy Minister of National Defense, who is suspected of exerting pressure on the investigation into the death of Marine Corps soldier Chae Sang-byeong, left the People Power Party after losing the April 10 general election.

On the 2nd, when asked by Asia Economy about his reason for leaving the party, Shin said, "I do not intend to engage in politics," adding, "Since I lost twice in the same place, I should give opportunities to the juniors." He continued, "I left because the election affairs have been wrapped up," and added, "I will look into research institutes or university lectures."

Shin ran for the Cheonan Gap district in both the 21st and 22nd general elections but was repeatedly defeated by Moon Jin-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Shin Beom-cheol, Deputy Minister of National Defense, is talking with officials at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 21st. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

However, some in the political circle speculate that Shin left the party to reduce the burden on the ruling party ahead of his summons by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (HOCI).

There are suspicions that pressure was exerted during the process when Park Jeong-hoon, former head of the Marine Corps investigation team, reported his intention to transfer the case to the police, but the Ministry of National Defense instructed to withhold it, and Shin is suspected to be involved in this.

The Democratic Party of Korea criticized the People Power Party at the time of nominating Shin as a candidate, saying, "Instead of thoroughly investigating and holding accountable the person suspected of responsibility for covering up the Chae Sang-byeong case, they rather gave him the nomination."

Earlier, on the 26th and 29th of last month, the HOCI summoned Yoo Jae-eun, Legal Affairs Officer of the Ministry of National Defense, and on this day, Park Kyung-hoon, former acting head of the investigation headquarters. The HOCI is expected to summon Shin for investigation soon.