The Hearing on Chae Sang-byeong Begins... Witnesses Lee Jong-seop, Shin Beom-cheol, and Lim Seong-geun Refuse to Take Oath

Figures related to the special investigation law on allegations of external pressure in the investigation of the death of Corporal Chae (Chae Sang-byeong Special Investigation Law) appeared before the National Assembly. However, a confrontation ensued with opposition party lawmakers as key witnesses, including former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop, refused to take the witness oath.

Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae (front row, left), former Marine Corps Investigation Unit Chief Park Jung-hoon, and former Ministry of National Defense Legal Secretary Yoo Jae-geun appeared as witnesses at the legislative hearing on the "Special Prosecutor Appointment Act for the Investigation of Obstruction and Cover-up of the Truth Regarding the Death of Marines" (Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act) held by the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the morning of the 21st. Former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun and former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop, who refused to take the oath, are seated. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 21st, the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a legislative hearing on the Chae Sang-byeong Special Investigation Law, led by the opposition party, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Attending the hearing were former Minister Lee, former Vice Minister of National Defense Shin Beom-cheol, and former 1st Marine Division Commander Lim Seong-geun, all summoned as witnesses by the committee.

Before the formal questioning began, they engaged in a tense standoff by refusing to take the witness oath. When Committee Chairman Jeong Cheong-rae asked, "Witness Lee Jong-seop, do you refuse to take the witness oath?" the former minister replied, "Yes, I do. Because it is a right guaranteed by law."

Chairman Jeong then admonished him, saying, "Please be quiet. Only answer the questions asked. Why are you acting like this from the start?" When Chairman Jeong asked again if he would refuse to take the oath, the former minister briefly answered, "Yes."

Both former Vice Minister Shin and former 1st Division Commander Lim also responded "Yes" when asked if they would refuse to take the witness oath.

Chairman Jeong demanded that they explain their reasons for refusing the oath. He stated, "If the standing committee finds the reason for refusing the witness oath unjustifiable, it may take measures such as filing charges."

The former minister’s side argued that they have the legal right to refuse to take the oath and testify. The former minister’s lawyer said, "Of course, we are confident that this case can never become a criminal issue, so we will testify the truth confidently. However, regarding the ongoing investigation and the related complaint, there remains a risk of prosecution due to incorrect facts and legal judgments by investigative agencies, including the special investigation team. If the testimony conflicts with statements from other witnesses or reference persons with differing interests, there is a risk of being accused of perjury under the pretext of resolving disputes."