Investigation into Lobbying Allegations for Former Marine Corps Commander

On July 21, 2025, the Marine Corps Special Investigation Team announced that they are investigating allegations of lobbying efforts to exonerate former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun (임성근). The investigation is focusing on potential connections with Protestant figures and Lee Jong-ho (이종호), the former head of Black Pearl Investment. There are suspicions that lobbying efforts aimed at removing Lim from culpability in the death of Corporal Chae Soo-geun (고 채수근) may have occurred through two separate channels.

During a press briefing, Special Investigator Jeong Min-young (정민영) stated, "We are currently verifying the possibility that Protestant figures may serve as conduits for lobbying efforts. We are also investigating the allegations related to Lee Jong-ho."

On July 18, the Marine Corps Special Investigation Team conducted searches at the homes of prominent conservative Protestant figures, including Kim Jang-hwan (김장환), chairman of Far East Broadcasting, and Lee Young-hoon (이영훈), pastor of the Full Gospel Church, as they were suspected of being involved in the lobbying efforts for Lim. Additionally, the investigation is looking into claims that Lee Jong-ho attempted to lobby for Lim through connections with Kim Geon-hee (김건희), the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열). Lee's residence and vehicle were searched on July 10. Jeong emphasized that they are not ruling out the possibility that these lobbying efforts occurred simultaneously.

Jeong also mentioned that once the analysis of the seized materials is complete, they plan to summon the Protestant figures for questioning. The investigation will soon include Lee Jong-ho as well.

Furthermore, Jeong revealed that a warrant for the arrest of former Marine Corps Commander Kim Gye-hwan (김계환) was requested on July 18. This was based on the belief that Kim's testimony during the trial of Colonel Park Jeong-hoon (박정훈), the head of the Marine Corps investigation team, contradicted objective facts, necessitating further investigation. Kim had previously testified in February of last year that he never conveyed the so-called 'VIP anger theory' to Colonel Park, asserting that the Marine Corps' history and traditions should not be compromised by a sense of heroism or delusion of necessity.

On July 18, former National Security Office First Deputy Director Kim Tae-hyo (김태효) also appeared before the Special Investigation Team to provide testimony related to the 'VIP anger theory.' Jeong confirmed that they re-interviewed Kim to clarify the reactions of former President Yoon during a National Security Office meeting on July 31, 2023, and obtained more detailed statements than in the initial inquiry.

The 'VIP anger theory' suggests that during the National Security Office meeting on July 31, 2023, President Yoon became extremely angry upon learning that the Marine Corps investigation team was considering negligence charges against Lim and others. It is alleged that he pressured former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop (이종섭) by questioning, "Who would want to be a division commander if such actions lead to punishment?" Kim had previously undergone questioning on July 11 regarding this matter.