Cho Taeyong Summoned as Suspect,
Im Kihun as Witness
The special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Lee Myeonghyeon, which is probing allegations of external pressure in the investigation into the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae, has summoned Im Kihoon, former Presidential Office National Defense Secretary, and Cho Taeyong, former National Security Office chief, for additional questioning.
Im Kihoon, former National Defense Secretary, is appearing on the 8th at the Seoul Seocho-gu Fallen Marine Special Investigation Team as a witness for questioning. Photo by Yonhap News
Im, appearing as a witness, arrived at the special prosecutor's office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, at around 9:20 a.m. on the 8th. When asked by reporters whether the president had ordered the retrieval of the Marine Corps investigation team's records or had specifically instructed that Im Seonggeun, former division commander, be excluded as a suspect, Im proceeded to the interrogation room without responding.
Cho also appeared at the special prosecutor's office at around 9:40 a.m. that day. He is being questioned as a suspect on charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights. When asked by reporters why he had previously denied in the National Assembly that former President Yoon had been enraged, but reversed his testimony during the special prosecutor's investigation, and what instructions Yoon gave after his reported outburst, Cho briefly replied, "I will go up and tell everything truthfully."
Cho Taeyong, former National Security Office chief, is appearing on the 8th at the Seoul Seocho-gu Fallen Marine Special Investigation Team to be questioned as a suspect. Photo by Yonhap News
Im was the official who reported the initial investigation results of the Marine Corps investigation team regarding Corporal Chae's case to former President Yoon during a meeting presided over by the president, where the so-called "VIP rage" allegation was first raised. Im, who had previously refused to testify in the National Assembly and in court, citing the security nature of the meeting, changed his position for the first time in two years during the recent special prosecutor's investigation and acknowledged that former President Yoon had reprimanded Lee Jongseop, former Minister of National Defense.
Cho, who served as ambassador to the United States, National Security Office chief, and National Intelligence Service director under the Yoon Sukyeol administration, attended the presidential meeting in his capacity as National Security Office chief. Although Cho had previously denied the "VIP rage" allegations in the National Assembly and elsewhere, he reversed his position for the first time in two years during the special prosecutor's investigation on July 29 and acknowledged former President Yoon's outburst.
During the investigation, the special prosecutor is expected to focus on questioning Cho and Im about former President Yoon's reaction and specific instructions after being briefed on the transfer of Corporal Chae's case at the time.
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