[2024 National Audit] Head of the Corruption Investigation Office: "Reappointment of Prosecutor in Charge of 'Marine Corps Chaesangbyeong Death in the Line of Duty Case' Investigation Team is Crucial"

Oh Dong-woon, head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division, emphasized on the 25th the urgent need for the reappointment of prosecutors affiliated with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to ensure the continuity of the investigation into the alleged external pressure in the case of Marine Corporal Chae's death in the line of duty.

On the 25th, at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's national audit held in the National Assembly, Odongun, the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (right), is responding to a lawmaker's question. (Photo by Yonhap News)

During the comprehensive audit by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, in response to a related inquiry by Jang Kyung-tae of the Democratic Party of Korea, Oh said, "I am cautious about commenting on the president's appointment authority," but added, "It is true that the reappointment of the four prosecutors whose terms expire on the 27th is urgently needed to maintain the continuity of the Chae Marine case investigation, organizational stability, and to secure new outstanding personnel." He particularly stressed, "Maintaining the continuity of the Chae Marine case investigation is a very critical issue," and added, "I expect the president to fully consider this when approving the reappointment."

The CIO held a personnel committee meeting last August and recommended the reappointment of four prosecutors: Lee Dae-hwan, chief prosecutor of Investigation Division 4; Cha Jeong-hyun, investigation planning officer (chief prosecutor); and prosecutors Song Young-sun and Choi Moon-seon of Investigation Division 3. However, President Yoon, who holds the appointment authority, has not approved the reappointments for nearly three months. If the presidential approval is not granted by the expiration date on the 27th, these prosecutors will be automatically excluded from their duties.

Oh emphasized, "Chief Lee has outstanding leadership, and Officer Cha possesses a strong sense of justice and drive," adding, "They are very necessary personnel for important investigations." The two are currently investigating the alleged external pressure in the case of Marine Corporal Chae's death, which involves President Yoon, as well as the allegations of 'nomination interference' involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee.

If their reappointments are not approved, only one regular prosecutor will remain on the Chae Marine investigation team, effectively leading to its disbandment.

In response, Representative Jang claimed, "The president is obstructing related investigations and using public authority for personal retaliation." Representative Kim Yong-min of the Democratic Party also criticized, "He said he would talk about a special prosecutor after seeing the results of the Chae Marine investigation, but now he is blocking the investigation."

Within the ruling party, there are also mentions of the possibility of replacing investigative personnel. Yoo Sang-beom, a member of the People Power Party and the secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, said during the CIO audit on the 14th, "The investigation is not progressing properly, and there have been repeated leaks of suspect information during the process," adding, "It is time to replace the chiefs requesting term extensions and proceed anew."