Discussion on Dispatching CIO Chief, Prosecutors, and Investigators Scheduled for the Afternoon of the 24th
Seocho-dong Office Confirmed... Building Located Right Next to Yoon's Residence
Lee Myunghyun, the special prosecutor investigating the Chae Sangbyung case, stated that he may take over the case of Colonel Park Junghoon's insubordination from the military prosecution.
On June 24, during a meeting with reporters at a law office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, Special Prosecutor Lee addressed the possibility of transferring Colonel Park's case, saying, "According to the Special Prosecutor Act, we are allowed to take over all aspects of maintaining the prosecution related to the case," and added, "Park's defense team has been continuously requesting this, which has been reflected in the Special Prosecutor Act, so it is naturally a matter that must be considered."
Colonel Park, who led the initial investigation into the death of Chae Sangbyung, was indicted on charges of insubordination after proceeding with the police transfer of the case despite an order from his superior, the Marine Corps Commander, to withhold the transfer. He was acquitted in the first trial, but the military prosecution appealed, and the second trial is currently underway.
Previously, on June 16, Special Prosecutor Lee commented, "The case of Colonel Park Junghoon itself is one in which the truth was distorted by the 'rage theory,' resulting in an unjust indictment." In response to criticism that he was conducting the investigation with a predetermined conclusion, he explained, "It is not a matter of bias, but is included in the purpose of establishing the Special Prosecutor Act." He added, "The scope of the Chae case special prosecutor's investigation includes the concealment of related incidents and obstruction of investigations."
Regarding the timing of the summons for former President Yoon Sukyeol, he stated, "We need to review the investigation records and proceed with the investigation before it can be determined."
When asked about the topic of his scheduled meeting that afternoon with Oh Dongwoon, head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, he replied, "We plan to inquire about the case records, as well as the prosecutors and investigators to be dispatched." Special Prosecutor Lee also said that he has requested the dispatch of investigators from the police and is in the process of requesting the transfer of related records from investigative agencies. Starting today, four military prosecutors dispatched from each branch of the armed forces, rather than from the Ministry of National Defense Prosecutor's Office, will join the Chae case special prosecutor team.
The Chae case special prosecutor's office has finalized its location at Seocho Hansem Building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, which is right next to the residence of former President Yoon. Renovations are expected to be completed within this week, after which the office will move in and begin the full-scale investigation.
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