Marine Special Prosecutor to Summon Former Commander Kim Gyehwan on July 7... Full-Scale 'VIP Rage Rumor' Investigation Next Week

The special prosecutor team led by Lee Myunghyun, investigating allegations of external pressure in the case of the death of Marine Corporal Chae, has scheduled a summons for former Marine Corps Commander Kim Gyehwan at 10:30 a.m. on July 7.

Jung Minyoung, Special Prosecutor of the Fallen Marine Special Investigation Team. Photo by Yonhap News

Jung Minyoung, Special Prosecutor, announced during a briefing held at the special prosecutor's office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on July 4, "We plan to summon and question former Commander Kim at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th," adding, "We have contacted him, and he has agreed to appear." The special prosecutor stated that the main focus of the investigation will be whether any instructions were given by former Defense Minister Lee Jongseop or the Presidential Office. The investigation will also cover matters related to the alleged "false report" by former 1st Marine Division Commander Lim Sungkeun at the time of the incident. Former Commander Kim is considered a key figure, as he is accused of mentioning the so-called "VIP rage rumor" and halting the transfer of the Marine Corps investigation team's records.

The investigation into the "VIP rage rumor" will also begin in earnest next week. This allegation centers on claims that former President Yoon Sukyeol became extremely angry during a National Security Office meeting held at the Presidential Office at 11:00 a.m. on July 31, 2023, after being briefed on the investigation results recommending that former Division Commander Lim and others be referred to the police on charges of occupational negligence resulting in death. The special prosecutor believes that, following this, external pressure from the Presidential Office led to former Division Commander Lim being excluded as a suspect. Jung Minyoung stated, "Starting next week, we will launch a full-scale investigation into the so-called VIP rage rumor," and added, "We plan to summon and question the relevant individuals one by one."