Colonel Park Junghoon, head of the Marine Corps Investigation Unit, commented on the so-called "VIP rage theory," stating, "It has now been established as fact, not just a theory, so everything will be properly revealed."
At around 1 p.m. on the 16th, Colonel Park appeared before the special investigation team regarding the death of Corporal Chae as a reference witness. Regarding former First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kim Taehyo's acknowledgment of the "VIP rage theory" after nearly two years, Park said, "In the end, the truth will be fully revealed, and justice will prevail."
Park mentioned that July 19 marks the second anniversary of Corporal Chae's death, saying, "It is frustrating that the reasons behind his death and who is responsible have not yet been clearly determined." However, he added, "The special investigation team is uncovering various facts, and I am confident that those responsible will face appropriate legal consequences."
The special investigation team began questioning Colonel Park as a reference witness from 1:30 p.m. that day. They plan to verify the entirety of the process, including the details of the "VIP rage theory" that Park reportedly heard from former Marine Corps Commandant Kim Gyehwan, as well as the procedures for transferring and retrieving the initial investigation records related to Corporal Chae's case.
In July 2023, after investigating the death of Corporal Chae, Colonel Park reported that he would refer then-1st Marine Division Commander Lim Sungkeun to the police on charges including occupational negligence resulting in death. However, he was indicted for insubordination after refusing then-Defense Minister Lee Jongseop's order to withhold the referral and instead submitting the case to the police. Earlier this year, he was acquitted in the first trial, and with the special investigation team's withdrawal of their appeal, his acquittal was finalized. He recently returned to his position as head of the Marine Corps Investigation Unit.
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