[2025 Audit] Judiciary Committee, Led by Ruling Party, Files Perjury Complaint Against Im Seonggeun... Kim Hyunji Not Summoned as Witness

"Im Sunggeun committed perjury in the National Assembly by claiming not to know Lee Jongho"
Changed his statement about not knowing his phone password just three days later

The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, led by members of the Democratic Party of Korea and other pro-government lawmakers, has decided to file a perjury complaint against Im Seonggeun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division, who is implicated in the death of Marine Chae.

Im Seonggeun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division, appeared on the 11th at the office of Lee Myeonghyeon, the special investigator for the fallen marine, in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to undergo questioning and stated his position. 2025.08.11 Photo by Yoon Dongju

At the National Assembly audit held at Yeouido on the 23rd, the committee voted on the motion to file a complaint against the former commander, who had appeared as a witness. Out of 17 committee members with voting rights, 10 voted in favor, 6 opposed, and 1 abstained, passing the motion. Im is a key suspect in both the death of Marine Chae and allegations of external interference in the investigation, as he was the commanding officer at the time of Chae's death.

According to the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly, any witness or expert who, after taking an oath under this law, makes a false statement or appraisal may be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one year and up to ten years.

Previously, on the 17th, Im appeared at a military court audit and stated that he could not remember the password to his mobile phone. However, three days later, on the 20th, he released a statement saying, "The password miraculously came to mind, so I provided it to the special prosecutor."

Im also stated during the audit that he did not know Lee Jongho, who is suspected of lobbying for his rescue. However, the special prosecutor has obtained testimony from actor Park Sungwoong, who said he had dined with both Im and Lee.

Lawmaker from the People Power Party (PPP) strongly opposed the motion, which was introduced by the ruling party. Song Seokjun of the PPP raised his voice, saying, "I cannot understand why we are wasting the committee's valuable time and budget just because of alleged connections to the president and first lady, especially when it has not even been verified who this person knows."

In response, Jang Kyungtae stated, "Many citizens could not help but scoff when Im again committed perjury by claiming not to know Lee Jongho, and also when he said he could not remember his mobile phone password." He added, "This is an act of contempt for the National Assembly and disregard for the public." Jang emphasized, "Those who commit perjury must be strictly punished and investigated."

Choo Mi-ae, chairperson of the committee, said, "After leaving the National Assembly, witness Im Seonggeun suddenly claimed that the password came to him as a miracle from God, thereby mocking and undermining the audit and ridiculing the National Assembly. Isn't it only right for the National Assembly to file a complaint?"

There was also heated debate over whether to summon Kim Hyunji, the First Secretary to the President, as a witness. Kwak Gyutaek of the PPP argued, "Allegations that pressure was exerted on defense attorneys among Kim Hyunji, Lee Sangho, and Seol Juwan, who are all currently on trial and suspected of being accomplices, amount to a disruption of judicial order. The committee should verify whether such incidents actually occurred." In response, Seo Youngkyo countered, "Should we hinder President Lee Jaemyung's work like a contrarian?" The motion to summon Kim as a witness was rejected by the pro-government majority.

Meanwhile, the committee, led by the ruling party, also passed motions to file perjury complaints against former Justice Ministers Park Sungjae and Lee Wankyu, as well as Chief Prosecutor Song Changjin, with 10 in favor, 7 opposed, and 1 abstention out of 18 voting members.