Forensic Examination of Lim Seonggeun's Mobile Phone Conducted on the Morning of the 30th
Lim Seonggeun: "I Don't Remember the Password... I Hope It Is Unlocked Soon"
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is investigating allegations of external pressure in the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae, has resumed the forensic examination of the mobile phone belonging to former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seonggeun.
On the 30th, the CIO summoned Lim to the Government Complex Gwacheon to conduct a forensic observation. Forensic observation is a procedure that ensures the participation of the person whose electronic device has been seized, allowing them to be present when selecting digital evidence relevant to the alleged crime.
Previously, on the 23rd, the CIO also summoned Lim for observation, but the process was canceled when Lim demanded that the forensic examination be recorded. After Lim withdrew this demand, the procedure resumed.
Upon his appearance on this day, when asked whether he still did not remember his mobile phone password, Lim replied, "Yes." He added, "I am eagerly hoping that the password will be unlocked soon so that it can be proven there was no lobbying to save me, and I expect that the police have been able to unlock it with their capabilities."
He stated, "The charges specified at the time of the search and seizure were not criminal allegations against me, but rather crimes related to external interference in the investigation. As a reference witness, I was subject to the search and seizure for external pressure on the investigation, which I did not commit." He continued, "I will participate in the forensic observation and express my opinions based on the essence of what is stated in the warrant." He also urged the CIO to expedite the investigation, saying, "There are various investigations related to me at the CIO, but they are being excessively delayed."
The CIO is currently investigating allegations that, during the process in July 2023 when the Marine Corps investigation team identified Lim and others as responsible for Corporal Chae's death and handed the case over to the police, former President Yoon Sukyeol, officials from the presidential office, and the Ministry of National Defense exerted external pressure.
This is the second time since August last year that the CIO has conducted a forensic examination of Lim's mobile phone in his presence. The CIO seized Lim's mobile phone in January last year, but encountered difficulties as Lim claimed he could not remember the password, preventing them from unlocking the device.
The CIO continued its investigation, including interviewing officials from the Ministry of National Defense as reference witnesses until the end of November last year, but temporarily suspended the probe to focus on investigations into insurrection following the imposition of martial law. The investigation has recently resumed.
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