Former Commander Lim Seonggeun Says "The Truth Must Be Clearly Revealed"

Denies Charges of Occupational Negligence Resulting in Death and Lobbying for Leniency
Daegu District Prosecutors' Office Investigates Eight Suspects
"I Myself Want to Demand a Special Prosecutor"

Former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seonggeun, who was accused of occupational negligence resulting in death in connection with the death of Corporal Chae of the Marine Corps, appeared before prosecutors for questioning. On June 4, Yonhap News reported that Lim appeared at the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office at 9:30 a.m. as a suspect. Lim did not bring a lawyer with him when responding to the prosecution's questioning that day.

Former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Seonggeun Lim is answering reporters' questions at the Daegu District Court press room before appearing at the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office on the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

Before entering the prosecutors' office, Lim met with reporters and said, "Until now, I was an active-duty military officer and could not speak out because I was concerned it might be interpreted politically." He added, "If the results of the investigation by the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office or the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) cannot earn the public's trust, I ask that a special prosecutor or any other measure be used to reach a conclusion that the public can accept." He continued, "At the end of November last year, I underwent my last summons investigation by the Criminal Division 2 of the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office, and after the 12·3 Martial Law, all investigations were indefinitely postponed. I am frustrated and curious as to why the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office or the CIO has delayed the investigation for so long. I hope a decision will be made soon."

Regarding some media reports that a reservist, identified as Mr. A, attempted to lobby for him through former President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, Lim stated, "The only time I met former President Yoon was officially during Typhoon Hinnamnor, and there is no connection beyond that." He added, "I do not know whether anyone lobbied on my behalf; that is a matter for investigation. At the very least, I, Lim Seonggeun, have never attempted any lobbying for leniency." He also said, "I continue to deny the charge of occupational negligence resulting in death regarding Corporal Chae. I have no reputation left to protect, and restoring my honor is not important. What matters is uncovering the truth." Furthermore, he emphasized, "If the results of the investigation by the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office or the CIO are deemed insufficient by the public, I myself will demand a special prosecutor, because I cannot be satisfied with anything less. The truth must be revealed clearly and without ambiguity."

Previously, the North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency completed its investigation into Corporal Chae's death and referred six field commanders from the 1st Marine Division, including the commander of the 7th Brigade, to prosecutors without detention on charges of occupational negligence resulting in death. Three others, including Lim, were not referred for prosecution. Subsequently, the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office formed a "Marine Corps Death Investigation Team" led by the deputy chief prosecutor and conducted searches of the offices of Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yongmin, who was the battalion commander of the late Corporal Chae, among others. Lim Seonggeun, who had previously not been referred for prosecution due to "lack of evidence," was reportedly added to the list of suspects following an objection filed by the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, Lim was discharged from the military in February. After Corporal Chae's death on July 19, 2023, the investigation into Lim at the police stage lasted nearly a year before ending with a decision not to refer him for prosecution. The prosecution has been investigating him as a suspect for about 11 months. In October last year, prosecutors searched his office, home, and vehicle, seizing his mobile phone and laptop. The total number of suspects under investigation by the prosecution in connection with the Marine Corps Corporal Chae case is reportedly eight. A prosecution official stated, "As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot disclose details about the proceedings."