Marine Corps Special Investigation to Question Key Figure in Death Case

On July 16, 2025, the Marine Corps Special Investigation Team will question Colonel Park Jeong-hoon, who led the initial investigation into the death of Corporal Chae Soo-geun. The questioning is set for 1:30 PM and will focus on allegations of negligence by military leadership and potential external pressure from the presidential office regarding the investigation. Colonel Park was the first to reveal the so-called 'VIP anger theory,' which claims that former President Yoon Seok-yeol expressed outrage upon receiving the investigation results and ordered a halt to police referrals.

In July 2023, Colonel Park was responsible for investigating the circumstances surrounding Corporal Chae's death. He attempted to refer the case to the police, implicating then-Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun in negligence. However, he faced orders from former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop and former Marine Corps Commander Kim Gye-hwan to suspend the referral. Colonel Park defied these orders and was subsequently charged with insubordination. The first trial ruled that the order to halt the referral was not legitimate, resulting in his acquittal. The Special Investigation Team later withdrew its appeal, confirming his innocence, and Colonel Park was reinstated as head of the Marine Corps investigation unit on July 11.

In a statement released through his legal team, Colonel Park expressed gratitude for the public's support, stating, 'I have found my place again. Everything is thanks to the support and prayers of the people. I sincerely thank you.' He also expressed hope that the truth would soon be revealed and that those responsible would face legal consequences, wishing for no more unjust deaths like that of Corporal Chae.