Jung Jin-seok, Chief of Staff to the President, is responding to questions from committee members regarding the death of Chae Sang-byeong during the full meeting of the Steering Committee held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 1st. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Jung Jin-seok, Chief of Staff to the President, said on the 1st regarding the 'Chae Sang-byeong line-of-duty death case,' "It is proper to decide on a special prosecutor after observing the investigation results," adding, "I expect the police investigation results to be announced in about 10 days."
On the morning of the 1st, Jung attended the National Assembly Steering Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, and in response to a question from Kang Myung-gu, a member of the People Power Party, about the introduction of a special prosecutor law for Chae Sang-byeong, he stated, "Currently, the police are conducting a rigorous investigation into the negligent homicide aspect, while the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office is intensively investigating allegations of external pressure."
Jung said, "At this point, one year later, the Chae Sang-byeong case seems to have moved into the realm of legal judgment," emphasizing, "President Yoon Seok-yeol has also stated that after observing the investigation results from the investigative agencies, if he deems them insufficient, he will be the first to propose the appointment of a special prosecutor."
He continued, "Although the investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office feels slow, I have heard that the police investigation is almost at its final stage," adding, "I estimate that the police investigation results will be announced in about 10 days."
Regarding former Marine Corps Investigation Unit Commander Park Jung-hoon’s claim that there was external pressure during the investigation of Chae Sang-byeong’s death, Jung pointed out, "There has been no substantiation of external pressure yet, and there is no evidence."
On the other hand, Jung said, "(Regarding Colonel Park’s) insubordination, he was prosecuted for failing to comply with the legitimate orders and instructions of his direct superior, the minister," adding, "There is clear substance and evidence."
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