Marine Corps Special Counsel Grills Im Seonggeun for Four Hours on Negligent Homicide Charges

First Summons and Questioning Since Launch of Investigation

The special counsel investigating the death of Corporal Chae summoned Im Seonggeun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division and a key figure in the case, on July 2, the first day of the investigation, and questioned him for about four hours.

This was the first summons and questioning conducted since the special counsel officially launched its investigation with a plaque-hanging ceremony.

Im appeared as a suspect on charges including occupational negligence resulting in death and was questioned for approximately four hours, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on this day.

The questioning was led by prosecutor Lim Sanggyu, who had previously investigated Im at the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office.

Im Seonggeun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division, is appearing at the special investigation office for the late Marine Lee Myeonghyeon, set up in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd, and is stating his position. Joint coverage. Yonhap News Agency

During the questioning, the special counsel reportedly focused on the charge of negligent homicide, citing several grounds: Im's failure to order the establishment of safety measures during the search operation for the missing person; his failure to ensure proper preparation of safety equipment and other conditions; his interference with risk assessment by urging subordinates to speed up the search while on-site; and his failure to stop the underwater search, even after seeing media photos of the operation.

It is reported that Im refused to answer a significant portion of the questions.

He is said to have selectively responded to other allegations, such as lobbying for a rescue through an aide to First Lady Kim Keonhee and suspicions of a false report on the circumstances of the incident immediately after it occurred.

Because Im did not consent to late-night questioning, the session ended at around 6:00 p.m. As a result, the special counsel plans to arrange an additional in-person session.

After the questioning, Im told reporters, "I clarified the details regarding occupational negligence resulting in death and the alleged rescue lobbying, and did not answer questions that did not require a statement," adding, "I will coordinate the next schedule smoothly and cooperate with the special counsel's investigation."

Im also revealed that he submitted his mobile phone to the special counsel team on this day. However, he did not provide the phone's password, stating that he could not remember it.