Marine Special Counsel Requests Arrest Warrant for Former Division Commander Lim Seonggeun, Superior Officer in Marine's Death

Charged with Occupational Negligence Resulting in Death
"Evidence Supports Criminal Charges, Concerns Over Destruction of Evidence"

Former Marine 1st Division Commander Seonggeun Lim appeared on August 11 at the office of Special Investigator Myunghyun Lee for the fallen marine in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to undergo questioning and stated his position.

The special investigation team led by Special Investigator Lee Myunghyun, which is investigating the death of a marine, has requested an arrest warrant for former Marine 1st Division Commander Lim Seonggeun.

On October 21, the special investigation team announced that it had requested an arrest warrant for former Commander Lim on charges of occupational negligence resulting in death and violation of military orders under the Military Criminal Act. The team also requested an arrest warrant for former Marine 11th Artillery Battalion Commander Choi Jingyu on charges of occupational negligence resulting in death.

Special Prosecutor Jeong Minyoung stated at a regular briefing on the same day, "There is sufficient evidence supporting the criminal charges, and due to the seriousness of the crime and concerns about destruction of evidence, we determined that it is necessary to investigate the suspects while they are in custody."

Former Commander Lim was the superior officer of the late Corporal Chae, who died in the line of duty during flood recovery operations in Yecheon-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, on July 19, 2023. He faces charges of occupational negligence resulting in death for allegedly ordering a risky search operation without providing life jackets or other safety equipment.

Additionally, he was initially identified as a suspect during the Marine Corps investigation, but was later excluded from the list of suspects following what is referred to as the "VIP outrage." During this process, there are suspicions that former President Yoon Suk-yeol's wife, Kim Keonhee, may have exerted influence, raising concerns of lobbying for exoneration.

When former Commander Lim appeared before the special investigation team in August, he claimed, "As the division commander at the time, I fully acknowledge my responsibility, but since I did not have operational control, I believe I am not legally liable." However, the special investigation team determined that he is also suspected of violating military orders under the Military Criminal Act.

Furthermore, the special investigation team explained that former Commander Lim has repeatedly attempted to persuade his subordinates to change their statements and has interfered with the investigation from the time of the incident until recently. Due to significant concerns about destruction of evidence and contamination of testimonies, the team decided to request an arrest warrant.

Meanwhile, the legal team representing former President Yoon, who has been summoned for questioning on October 23, reportedly submitted a notice of attorney appointment to the special investigation team the previous day and expressed a preference for being questioned during a visit to the detention center.