Lee Myunghyun: "Substantive Truth Uncovered in Most Major Cases Under Investigation"
Lee Myunghyun, the special prosecutor investigating allegations of external pressure and cover-up in the death of Chaesangbyung, is announcing the final investigation results on the 28th at the special prosecutor's office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
The special prosecutor team led by Lee Myunghyun, which investigated allegations of external pressure and cover-up in the death of Chaesangbyung, has concluded its investigation and referred 33 individuals, including former President Yoon Suk-yeol, to trial. This comes 150 days after the team was launched.
In the final briefing on the 28th, Special Prosecutor Lee stated, "Our special prosecutor team was established to investigate who was responsible for the death of a Marine who died under unfair circumstances, and to reveal how pressure from higher authorities was exerted during the investigation."
He emphasized, "Every member of our team approached the investigation with a determination to leave no suspicion unresolved, and we have uncovered the substantive truth in most of the major cases under investigation."
The special prosecutor team conducted a total of 185 search and seizure operations targeting key institutions such as the Presidential Office and the National Security Office. They also questioned approximately 300 suspects and witnesses, and performed forensic analysis on more than 430 digital devices, including mobile phones and PCs.
As a result, a total of 33 suspects have been referred to trial: 13 individuals accused of exerting external pressure on the investigation, 6 key suspects in the case of former Defense Minister Lee Jongseop's alleged escape to Australia, 5 current and former senior officials of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, and 5 individuals responsible for the death of Chaesangbyung.
Special Prosecutor Lee stated, "Acts of exerting external pressure that undermine the independence and fairness of an investigation constitute a serious abuse of power," and added, "I believe the court must render a stern judgment in this case."
While investigating allegations of lobbying to save former Marine 1st Division Commander Lim Sungkeun, the special prosecutor team discovered that Lee Jongho, former CEO of Black Pearl Invest and a close associate of First Lady Kim Keonhee, had instructed the destruction of evidence and was summarily indicted. The acquaintance who destroyed a mobile phone at Hangang Park under Lee's instructions was also referred to trial.
Additionally, the special prosecutor team decided to transfer the case involving dereliction of duty and leaking of investigative information by officials at the North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency to the National Office of Investigation.
Special Prosecutor Lee concluded, "Although the investigation period has ended, we will do our utmost to maintain the prosecution so that former President Yoon and the other defendants are held fully accountable for their actions."
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