National Assembly Public Administration Committee on 'Im Seong-geun Non-Prosecution': "Can't Trust Police" VS "Due to Yoon's Anger"

Ruling Party: "Democratic Party Uses Investigation Results Politically"
Opposition: "Im Seong-geun Specifically Ordered the Search"

Members of the ruling and opposition parties on the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee (PASCOM) clashed over the police decision not to prosecute former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Im Seong-geun. Kim Cheol-moon, Chief of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency who led the investigation into the death of Chae Sang-byeong, attended the meeting.

On the morning of the 11th, PASCOM held a plenary session at the National Assembly to receive a report on the investigation into the death of Chae Sang-byeong. The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency announced on the 8th that three individuals, including former Commander Im, would not be prosecuted in connection with the death of Chae Sang-byeong, while six on-site commanders were sent to prosecution on charges of professional negligence resulting in death. It was reported that on the 6th, the Investigation Review Committee had recommended excluding former Commander Im from prosecution. Members of the People Power Party claimed that "(the opposition) is trying to politically exploit the investigation results," while Democratic Party members raised concerns about the investigation team's meeting minutes being kept confidential.

On the 11th, members of the National Assembly are questioning at the plenary meeting of the Public Administration and Security Committee held at the National Assembly. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Kim Jong-yang, a member of the People Power Party, expressed concern, saying, "These days, rather than trusting our police, there are politicians who incite distrust," and emphasized, "It is regrettable and shameful that the investigation results are being politically distorted and exploited for political interests." Kim questioned, "What efforts did the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency make for an objective investigation?" and Chief Kim responded, "We judged solely based on evidence and testimony according to legal principles, and at the end, the Investigation Review Committee reviewed the appropriateness of the investigation with external experts."

Nevertheless, Kim said, "It seems they could not find criminal charges against former Commander Im," adding, "Regardless of the reasons, he cannot escape moral responsibility." He further urged, "Going forward, the police should conduct investigations fairly and transparently, doing their best so that all citizens can trust them."

Lee Sang-sik, a Democratic Party member, questioned, "The police cite the Investigation Review Committee's opinion as grounds for the legitimacy of the investigation, but is there anyone on the committee from outside the Gyeongbuk region?" and asked, "Could the Marines refuse orders and commands from former Commander Im?" He then stated that the only reason for former Commander Im's non-prosecution was "President Yoon Seok-yeol's anger," adding, "The ruling party and the presidential office are desperate to 'protect Im Seong-geun,' and behind that is likely President Yoon."

Kim Cheol-moon, Commissioner of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency, is attending the full meeting of the Public Administration and Security Committee held at the National Assembly on the 11th, responding to questions related to the investigation of the death in the line of duty of Cha Sang-byeong. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Jeong Chun-saeng, a member of the Innovation Party for Justice, directed his remarks at Chief Kim, saying, "Aren't you ashamed to be in that position?" and claimed, "Former Commander Im gave specific search instructions." He continued, "If it is said that there was no abuse of power because he had no official authority, which citizen would accept that?" and questioned, "Are the subordinates who fulfilled their duties punished while the commander who gave the orders bears no responsibility?"