The special counsel team, which is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a Marine, has re-summoned two key figures—former Blackpearl Invest CEO Lee Jong-ho and former presidential office personnel secretary Lee Won-mo. The summoning took place on the 12th, with both individuals being investigated separately. The team is also set to notify former President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 13th and continue its probe into the matter.
Former CEO Lee arrived at the special counsel team’s office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, at 9:40 a.m. via a Ministry of Justice transport vehicle. He did not respond to reporters’ questions, including one about whether he ever asked Mrs. Kim Keon-hee to seek clemency for former 1st Marine Division Commander Im Seong-geun. Afterward, he proceeded to the investigation room. According to reports, Lee is suspected of leveraging his connection with Mrs. Kim to lobby for clemency for Commander Im, who was the commanding officer of the late Corporal Chae Soo-geun.
During his initial interrogation by the special counsel team on the 10th, Lee maintained that he had no prior knowledge of Commander Im. However, the team suspects that members of “Maeppanghaebyeong” (Stylish Marines), a group of former Marine Corps members including Lee, lobbied to have Commander Im excluded from the charge of involuntary manslaughter. Former CEO Lee was arrested and indicted in August on charges including violation of the Attorney Act by the special counsel team investigating former first lady Kim Keon-hee. He is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center.
Former Secretary Lee, who arrived at the special counsel team’s office around 9:55 a.m. on the same day, did not answer reporters’ questions, such as whether the nomination of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia was directed by former President Yoon. Lee, who oversaw personnel affairs at the presidential office from the start of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration until January of last year, faces charges including aiding a criminal’s escape in connection with allegations involving former Minister Lee. The special counsel team also summoned former Secretary Lee as a suspect for investigation on the 1st.
Meanwhile, the special counsel team plans to send a summons to former President Yoon on the 13th, notifying him to undergo an investigation within the next week. However, it remains unclear whether Yoon will comply with the summons. Previously, the Kim Keon-hee and insurrection special counsel team sent multiple summonses to Yoon, but investigations were not conducted because he did not comply with the summonses.
Key Points from the Investigation
- Re-summoning of Key Figures: Both Lee Jong-ho and Lee Won-mo were re-summoned for further questioning, highlighting the ongoing nature of the investigation.
- Suspicions of Lobbying: The special counsel team suspects that individuals with connections to the military may have influenced legal proceedings related to former Marine Corps officials.
- Legal Charges: Former CEO Lee is facing charges including violations of the Attorney Act, while former Secretary Lee is accused of aiding a criminal’s escape.
- Uncertainty Surrounding Former President Yoon: Despite the planned summons, there is doubt about whether Yoon will cooperate with the investigation, given past instances of non-compliance.
Ongoing Implications
The investigation continues to raise questions about the involvement of high-profile individuals in the case. As the special counsel team moves forward, the public and media are closely watching how these developments unfold. The potential implications for political figures and their legal responsibilities remain a focal point of the inquiry.
