Special counsel expected to indict ex-President Yoon this week over alleged interference in Marine death case
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol attends a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul, Sept. 26. Joint Press Corps
The special counsel investigating the 2023 death of a Marine is expected to indict former President Yoon Suk Yeol this week on charges of interfering with a military probe into the case, according to a special prosecutor Monday.
Yoon has been questioned by the special counsel over suspicions that he ordered the presidential office and the defense ministry to reverse the initial findings of a military investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, in order to relieve a then Marine commander of responsibility.
Special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon's team has no plan to further question Yoon and will conclude its probe this week, assistant special counsel Choung Min-young said during a press briefing.
The late Marine died in July 2023 after being swept away in a swollen stream during a search mission for victims of heavy rains without wearing a life vest or other safety equipment.
The special counsel is looking to file the indictment Thursday or Friday.
Charges will also formally be brought against ex-military and other officials implicated in the case, including former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup.
Lee was appointed by Yoon as the ambassador to Australia in March 2024, raising suspicion that Yoon helped him evade responsibility over the Marine's death case.
Yoon has denied all allegations.
The special counsel plans to question former National Intelligence Service chief Cho Tae-yong to cross-check testimonies regarding the Marine's case. Cho has been placed under arrest for his alleged role in helping facilitate Yoon's brief imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.
The special counsel is expected to announce the final outcome of their investigations next week, no later than Friday, when its mandate expires.