Im Kihoon, president of the Korea National Defense University and a lieutenant general in the Army, widely regarded as the "key man" in the Chae Sangbyeong case, has been suspended from his duties.
The Ministry of National Defense announced on September 10 that Im has been placed on a separate assignment for the purpose of suspension, in connection with the special counsel investigation into the Chae Sangbyeong case.
The Ministry of National Defense stated, "Lieutenant General Im is currently under investigation by the special counsel after being notified that an investigation has commenced. Although his term is nearing its end, we determined that a suspension from duty was necessary. Additional related individuals will be dealt with based on the progress of the special counsel's investigation."
Lieutenant General Im served as the Secretary for National Defense at the National Security Office during the Chae Sangbyeong incident. At a presidential office meeting, which was the subject of the so-called "rage theory," he personally reported the initial investigation results from the Marine Corps Investigation Unit to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Lieutenant General Im has so far been questioned three times by the special counsel as a reference witness.
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