Seoul - The Democratic Party (DP), following its victory in the April 10 parliamentary elections, is urging President Yoon Suk Yeol to approve a special prosecutor investigation into the death of a young Marine last July. DP floor leader Rep. Hong Ik-pyo stated that embracing such an investigation would align with President Yoon's post-election commitment to reform, which includes enhancing dialogues with the public and opposition parties.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The case in question involves Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who died during a mission to locate victims of a severe downpour. The DP is pressing for a special counsel to explore allegations of undue influence on the military’s investigation into Chae’s death. This demand comes amid broader accusations against former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, who is suspected of exerting external pressure on the military probe. Lee, who had been appointed as ambassador to Australia, resigned after less than a month in the wake of these allegations. Furthermore, the DP suspects that the presidential office, particularly through presidential secretary Lee Shi-won, was involved in meddling with the investigation. Rep. Hong emphasized that failing to support the special counsel probe would contradict the will of the people as expressed in the recent elections.