Special Counsel Raids Over 10 Locations Including Lee Jongseop's Residence and Ministry of National Defense in Chae Sangbyung Case

The special investigation team led by Myunghyun Lee, which is probing allegations of external pressure in the case of the late Marine Chae Sangbyung, conducted search and seizure operations at more than 10 locations on July 10, including the residence of former Minister of National Defense Lee Jongseop, the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Security Office. These actions are related to the so-called 'VIP (former President Yoon Sukyeol) Anger Theory.'

The special investigation team led by Myunghyun Lee, investigating allegations of obstruction in the probe of Marine Chae Sangbyung's case, arrived at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on July 10, 2025, to conduct a search and seizure related to the 'VIP Anger Theory,' which triggered suspicions of external pressure on the investigation. Photo by Yonhap News

At a briefing on July 10, Special Prosecutor Jeong Minyoung stated, "We are currently conducting search and seizure operations at more than 10 locations, including the Ministry of National Defense and the National Security Office, which were used by the suspects." The targets of the search include former Minister Lee Jongseop, former Presidential Secretary for Public Discipline Lee Siwon, former Presidential Secretary for National Defense Lim Kihun, and Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeon Hagyu. It is reported that this is the first time search and seizure operations have been conducted against former secretaries Lim Kihun and Lee Siwon.

Special Prosecutor Jeong explained, "We will check the materials remaining at the Ministry of National Defense and the National Security Office, and investigate what kind of communications the individuals involved had via mobile phones and other means." He added, "The special investigation team will continue to do its utmost to uncover the truth behind the 'VIP Anger Theory,' which is a matter of great public interest, and to clarify the suspicions of a cover-up in the Chae Sangbyung case."

It is known that, through the search and seizure operations conducted on this day, the special investigation team aims to secure materials covering the instructions and communication routes from the presidential office regarding the initial investigation results of the Marine investigation team around July 31, 2023, when the VIP Anger Theory was raised, as well as subsequent actions taken by the military leadership.

The National Security Office, which presided over the presidential office meeting at the time, plans to secure the list of attendees and meeting minutes, while the Ministry of National Defense aims to seize materials related to its media response strategy regarding the Chae Sangbyung case. In the case of the National Security Office, it is expected that, upon presentation of a warrant, some meeting minutes and related documents will be handed over in effect as a voluntary submission.