Lim Sungkeun Appears Before Special Prosecutor on Corporal Chae Case: "I Feel Moral Responsibility... No Legal Responsibility"

Lim Sungkeun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division, who has been identified as a key suspect in the case involving the death of a Marine, appeared before the Special Prosecutor for Marine Affairs on the 2nd.

Sungkeun Lim, former commander of the 1st Marine Division, is making a statement in front of the Special Prosecutor's Office for Marine Affairs in Seocho-dong, Seoul, on the 2nd. Photo by Jo Yongjun

At around 1:35 p.m. that day, Lim appeared at the special prosecutor's office in Seocho-dong, Seoul. When asked by reporters if he felt responsible for the death of Corporal Chae, he replied, "As the division commander at the time, I feel a deep sense of moral responsibility. However, since I did not order the underwater search, I believe I bear no legal responsibility."

Lim also raised concerns about the fairness of the special prosecutor's investigation team. He stated, "In a situation where Colonel Park Junghoon and the Marine Corps Investigation Unit are victims of external pressure, having the victimized investigation unit serve as investigators for the special prosecutor means that the victim is investigating the perpetrator, which is not in line with fairness."

Regarding the alleged lobbying for rescue, he said, "I have never met Lee Jongho and do not know him," adding, "I also have no connection whatsoever with First Lady Kim Keonhee, and if I had even made a single phone call, I would not feel so wronged." On the rumor of "VIP rage," he insisted, "I have never heard anything about it. I only learned about it through the media."

Lim was the commanding officer of Corporal Chae, who died during flood recovery operations in Yecheon County, North Gyeongsang Province, on July 19, 2023. He is accused of professional negligence resulting in death, including allegations that he ordered a risky search operation without providing safety equipment such as life jackets.

The special prosecutor plans to question Lim on allegations of professional negligence resulting in death, suspicions of lobbying for rescue through associates of First Lady Kim Keonhee, and suspicions of submitting a false report on the circumstances of the incident immediately after it occurred. The investigation will be led by Prosecutor Lim Sangkyu, who was the lead prosecutor on this case at the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office.