Kim Byunggi Slams Lim Sunggeun, Who Suddenly "Remembers Password," as "Street Thug"

Kim Byunggi: "Lim Sunggeun's trick is just to save himself"

Kim Byunggi, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 22nd criticized former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Sunggeun, against whom an arrest warrant has been requested on charges including occupational negligence resulting in death in connection with the death of Private First Class Chae, saying, "People like you are called street thugs."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Floor Leader Kim stated, "Do not hope for a miracle of immunity, but instead face the stern judgment of the law."

The special investigation team on the death of Private First Class Chae, led by Lee Myunghyun, requested an arrest warrant the previous day for former Commander Lim, who was the superior officer of Chae at the time of his death during flood recovery operations in Yecheon County, North Gyeongsang Province, on July 19, 2023. Lim is accused of ordering a reckless search operation without providing safety equipment such as life jackets.

There are also allegations that, despite operational control for the flood recovery having been transferred to the Army, Lim exercised command authority beyond the scope of support as the original unit commander, issuing specific orders at his own discretion.

During the investigation, former Commander Lim claimed to have forgotten the password to his smartphone and refused to provide it. However, the day before media reports emerged about the possibility of an arrest warrant being requested, he suddenly recalled the password and informed the special investigation team.

Floor Leader Kim remarked, "For the past year, former Commander Lim insisted he could not remember his phone password, but on the very day the arrest warrant was requested, he miraculously remembered it. He said it was thanks to God's love."

He continued, "The sudden change in attitude after the special investigation team requested the warrant is not an attempt to reveal the truth, but a trick to save himself. Are you mocking the public?" He emphasized, "What is needed is a sincere confession, a responsible attitude, and a fair judgment under the law."

Kim Byung-ki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking on October 20 at the National Assembly before the announcement of the judicial reform bill by the Special Committee on Judicial Reform. 2025.10.20 Photo by Kim Hyun-min