"Search and seizure of reference witness's residence and vehicle... A typical act of public shaming"
"I have never attended Full Gospel Church for worship or any event"
Lee Chulgyu, a member of the People Power Party, appealed his innocence on July 22 regarding the special prosecutor's investigation, stating, "I have never met former division commander Lim Sungkeun, nor do I even know his phone number," and added, "You cannot turn lies into truth through manipulated editing." Previously, on July 18, the special prosecutor investigating the death of Marine Corporal Chae and allegations of external pressure (Special Prosecutor Lim Myunghyun) conducted a search and seizure of Lee's office and residence.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Office that day, Lee protested the special prosecutor's investigation targeting him, saying, "The special prosecutor's investigation must not be abused as political retaliation under the pretext of uncovering the truth."
Lee Chulgyu, a member of the People Power Party, is answering reporters' questions after holding a press conference to announce his position on the investigation of the fallen Marine special prosecutor at the National Assembly Communication Office on July 22, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
He further objected, saying, "Despite being only a reference witness, they conducted a search and seizure not only at the main National Assembly building but also at my residence and vehicle, without even properly explaining the reason for the search. This is a typical act of public shaming by a political special prosecutor," and added, "Such excessive behavior by a political special prosecutor cannot be tolerated."
Lee particularly stated, "Through the search and seizure, the special prosecutor created the impression among the public and the media that I am somehow connected to the fallen Marine case, and through media briefings, made it seem as if I was involved in the so-called Christian lobbying by former division commander Lim Sungkeun." He added, "The media is irresponsibly spreading and reporting false information as if it were fact."
The special prosecutor's team suspects that Lee may have been involved in efforts to save former division commander Lim. In response, Lee asserted that the claim he was asked by Lim's wife to intervene due to a connection through Yeouido Full Gospel Church is completely false. He emphasized, "I have never attended Full Gospel Church, nor have I ever been there for worship or any event."
After the press conference, when meeting with reporters, Lee addressed the so-called 'VIP rage theory' and the calls between former President Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Janghwan, a senior Protestant pastor, stating, "The call was on July 31, two years ago. I do not know when exactly the call took place that day." He added, "However, I want to make it absolutely clear once again that there was no conversation whatsoever related to former division commander Lim."
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