Why Did Ex-Marine Chief Kim Kye-hwan Appear for Questioning Again?
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Synopsis
In a gripping turn of events, former Marine Corps Commandant Kim Kye-hwan faces his fourth round of questioning by a special counsel regarding alleged interference in the investigation of a Marine's tragic death. What led to this intense scrutiny? Dive into the unfolding drama surrounding the military's inquiry into the 2023 incident.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Kye-hwan faces serious allegations of interference in a military investigation.
- Cpl. Chae Su-geun drowned during a rescue mission in July 2023.
- Former President Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly reacted with anger during a meeting regarding the investigation.
- The court has denied an arrest warrant for Kim due to lack of evidence.
- Transparency and accountability in military operations are crucial for public trust.
Seoul, Sep 14 (NationPress) Former Marine Corps Commandant Kim Kye-hwan faced questioning from a special counsel team on Sunday regarding his alleged role in obstructing the initial investigation into the 2023 death of a young Marine. The retired three-star general is under suspicion for his involvement in the alleged interference with the military's inquiry into the demise of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who tragically drowned while engaged in rescue efforts for victims of severe flooding in July 2023 without appropriate safety equipment.
Kim arrived at the special counsel's office in southern Seoul but opted not to respond to reporters' inquiries. This marks his fourth appearance before the team, following two earlier visits in July and another just yesterday, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The investigation is centered on claims that former President Yoon Suk Yeol erupted in anger during a meeting with senior presidential officials in July 2023 after discovering that the initial probe had implicated a senior Marine commander in Chae's death.
Initially, Kim denied informing the lead Marine investigator about Yoon. However, during a court hearing on July 22, he acknowledged for the first time that he had heard of Yoon's alleged outburst.
On that same day, the court denied an arrest warrant for Kim, stating that there was no significant risk of him fleeing or tampering with evidence.
Earlier in July, former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong admitted that former President Yoon had indeed reacted with anger when briefed on the preliminary findings of the investigation into the Marine's death, reversing his long-held denial, according to legal sources.
Cho made this disclosure while being questioned by special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon's team in relation to allegations of governmental interference in the Marine Corps' investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun in July 2023, as reported by sources.
Chae was tragically swept away by a raging stream while on a search mission for victims of the torrential rains.
Point of View
I believe that the ongoing investigation into the alleged interference in the military's inquiry into Cpl. Chae Su-geun's death is crucial for upholding accountability within our armed forces. The allegations against high-ranking officials, including a former Marine Corps Commandant and a former President, underscore the importance of transparency and justice in our military operations. The nation deserves answers, and we must ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Kim Kye-hwan?
Kim Kye-hwan is accused of interfering with the initial probe into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who drowned during a rescue mission in July 2023.
When did Cpl. Chae Su-geun die?
Cpl. Chae Su-geun tragically died in July 2023 while searching for victims of torrential rains.
What was former President Yoon Suk Yeol's involvement?
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly expressed anger during a meeting after learning that the initial investigation implicated a senior Marine commander in Chae's death.
How many times has Kim Kye-hwan appeared for questioning?
Kim Kye-hwan has appeared for questioning four times, with his most recent appearance occurring on September 14, 2023.
Was there an arrest warrant issued for Kim Kye-hwan?
No, the court rejected an arrest warrant for Kim Kye-hwan, citing a lack of flight risk or evidence tampering.
