Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun Meets with Attorney Kim Jung-min Regarding Marine Corps Case

On June 13, Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun, who is investigating the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae Mo, met with attorney Kim Jung-min, who represents former Marine Corps investigation team leader Colonel Park Jeong-hoon. The meeting took place in Lee's office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, where they discussed the structure of the special investigation team and the progress of the case. The discussion lasted over two hours, during which Lee received a comprehensive briefing on the incident involving the Marine Corps member.

Lee proposed that Kim join the special investigation team as a special prosecutor, but Kim declined the offer, citing concerns over the fairness of the investigation. He stated, "Given my deep involvement in the case, including filing a complaint against the military prosecutor who handled the insubordination case on behalf of Colonel Park, I believe it would be inappropriate for me to participate as a special prosecutor." Currently, Kim is representing Park in the appeals for the insubordination case.

Previously, Lee had expressed a preference for selecting attorneys who have worked with him, mentioning Kim Jung-min and Kim Kyung-ho as potential candidates due to their familiarity with the case.

Appointed by President Lee Jae-myung on June 12, Special Prosecutor Lee is tasked with investigating allegations of external pressure from the Yoon Seok-yeol administration regarding the investigation into the Marine Corps member who died during a search operation for missing persons affected by heavy rainfall in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, in July 2023. Lee is expected to complete the appointment of special prosecutors, dispatch prosecutors, and set up an office within 20 days, after which the investigation can proceed for a maximum of 120 days.