Seoul, Nov 21 (NationPress) The special counsel looking into the Marine's death in 2023 has formally charged former President Yoon Suk Yeol for allegedly applying undue influence on the military's ongoing inquiry. Alongside him, 11 other former senior security and defense officials have also been indicted.

Yoon is under scrutiny for purportedly directing the presidential office and the defense ministry to alter the preliminary conclusions of a military investigation regarding the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, aiming to absolve a then Marine commander from accountability.

This recent indictment adds to previous charges against the ousted ex-leader linked to his short-lived declaration of martial law on December 3, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Yoon faces trial on accusations of abuse of power and manipulating official documents.

While this indictment does not involve physical detention, Yoon is already under arrest concerning charges related to martial law.

Among the other indicted individuals are former spy chief Cho Tae-yong and former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, who are alleged to have played roles in Chae's case under Yoon's orders.

The Marine tragically passed away on July 19, 2023, after being swept away by a swollen stream during a search operation for victims of severe flooding, all while lacking a life vest or other safety gear.

A military investigation revealed that eight individuals, including Lim Seong-geun, the former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, were suspected of occupational negligence that led to the Marine's death.

Initially, then Defense Minister Lee approved the investigation report without raising objections. However, he later retracted his support for the probe's referral to the police after Yoon exhibited extreme anger upon receiving the report's findings, as stated by the special counsel.

Col. Park Jung-hoon, who led the Marine Corps' inquiry into Chae's death, was ousted from his position for not adhering to Lee's directives.

The special counsel posits that Yoon issued illegal commands to the defense ministry and the presidential office, exceeding his presidential prerogatives.

"While the president, as the head of the government, holds the authority to supervise investigative bodies through ministry heads, this should be executed in compliance with legal statutes and due process principles," the special counsel noted.

"Exceeding this authority by providing specific orders for a particular case jeopardizes the integrity and independence of investigations, infringing upon citizens' fundamental rights through unlawful enforcement practices that are not acceptable," they remarked.

In March 2024, Lee was appointed by Yoon as the ambassador to Australia, leading to suspicions that Yoon may have assisted him in evading accountability in the Marine's death case.

Yoon has refuted all allegations.