DPK: Kim Taehyo Admits "VIP Rage Theory"... Organized Cover-Up in Chae Case Revealed

Baek Seunga, Parliamentary Spokesperson, Makes Statement in Written Briefing

Kim Taehyo, former first deputy director of the National Security Office and a key figure in the Yoon Sukyeol administration's diplomatic line, is entering the office of the Special Investigation Team for the Fallen Marines in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 11th to be questioned as a suspect. Photo by Yonhap News

On July 12, the Democratic Party of Korea stated that Kim Taehyo, former first deputy director of the National Security Office, had effectively acknowledged the so-called "VIP rage theory" during questioning by the Special Investigation Team for the Fallen Marines, saying, "A significant clue has emerged indicating that there was organized pressure to cover up the death of Private First Class Chae."

Baek Seunga, the party's spokesperson for parliamentary affairs, said in a written briefing that morning, "With the confirmation of the rage theory involving Kim Taehyo, a key figure in the administration, the door to the truth about the death of Private First Class Chae has been opened."

She continued, "Because of Yoon Sukyeol's rage, Colonel Park Junghoon, who investigated the case according to protocol, was unjustly branded as the ringleader of insubordination. We strongly urge the special investigation team to conduct a swift and thorough investigation without sanctuary, so that the true nature of the organized pressure exerted by those in power?including Yoon Sukyeol, the presidential office, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Marine Corps?can be fully revealed."

The so-called "VIP rage theory" refers to suspicions that, during a meeting of the senior secretary for foreign affairs and national security in July 2023, former President Yoon Sukyeol became extremely angry after being briefed on the investigation into the death of Private First Class Chae, reportedly saying, "If a division commander is punished for something like this, who would want to be a division commander?" This anger is suspected to have led to pressure on the investigation.

Spokesperson Baek also criticized the 45 People Power Party lawmakers who appeared in front of the president in January this year during the execution of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon, saying, "The 45 'Yoon Sukyeol shield' lawmakers remain unrepentant and unapologetic, still holding positions of power within the party leadership and mainstream. Despite being a party that has produced two impeached presidents, the People Power Party continues to stage only superficial innovation shows."

She added, "The people have not forgotten the People Power Party's complicity in insurrection, illegal acts, and betrayal of the public. The 45 'Yoon Sukyeol shield' lawmakers must apologize to history and to the people."