Did Yoon Suk Yeol Appoint Ambassador to Avoid Marine Death Investigation?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appointed ex-Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup as an envoy to Australia in 2023, aiming to shield him from a Marine death investigation. This revelation, stemming from a special counsel indictment, raises serious questions about political interference and accountability in military oversight.
Key Takeaways
- Yoon Suk Yeol appointed Lee Jong-sup to evade a Marine death investigation.
- The indictment reveals political maneuvering to shield Lee.
- The military probe concluded negligence by senior Marine leadership.
- Yoon's actions have led to multiple indictments, including former officials.
- This situation raises questions about accountability and political integrity.
Seoul, Nov 29 (NationPress) Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hurriedly appointed former Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup to the position of top envoy to Australia in 2023, aiming to evade scrutiny regarding the death of a Marine, according to a special counsel's indictment released on Saturday.
The former president, who is currently on trial for a failed martial law initiative, was indicted earlier this week for allegedly assisting Lee in evading an expanding investigation into senior Marine leadership's possible negligence.
As detailed in the indictment obtained by Yonhap News Agency, Yoon discussed sending Lee to an ambassadorial post with his national security adviser, Cho Tae-yong, in September 2023. This discussion coincided with Lee's offer to resign amidst escalating controversy surrounding the death of the young Marine, as reported by Yonhap.
During a meeting with former ministers, Yoon introduced the idea of considering Lee for the ambassadorial role, as Cho suggested the post in Australia. The indictment confirms that Yoon later instructed Cho to finalize Lee's appointment.
Subsequently, Cho allegedly directed foreign ministry officials to initiate the replacement of the ambassador, whose term still had over two years left. Lee was officially appointed in March 2024.
The indictment also claims that Yoon's directives led to the foreign ministry replacing the ambassador to Morocco, making Lee's appointment to Australia appear to be a routine reshuffle.
Furthermore, the justice ministry was reportedly involved in facilitating Lee's departure from the country. Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae allegedly instructed the immigration agency to lift the travel ban on Lee, who was a significant person of interest in the investigation.
Special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon's team suspects that Yoon's actions were motivated by a desire to distance himself from the case.
The military inquiry into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun identified eight individuals, including Lim Seong-geun, a former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, as potentially culpable for occupational negligence leading to the death.
Initially, Lee, as defence minister, approved the investigation report without objection, but later ordered that it not be referred to the police following Yoon's furious reaction to its findings.
On Thursday, the special counsel indicted Yoon and five other former high-ranking officials for their alleged roles in aiding Lee's purported escape, which includes former top security adviser Cho, former Justice Minister Park, and former First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin.
Point of View
I emphasize our commitment to impartial reporting. The allegations against Yoon Suk Yeol are serious and warrant scrutiny. Our responsibility is to present the facts and allow our audience to form their own opinions on this politically charged situation.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Yoon Suk Yeol?
Yoon Suk Yeol is accused of appointing Lee Jong-sup as an ambassador to evade an investigation into a Marine's death.
When was Lee Jong-sup appointed as ambassador?
Lee Jong-sup was officially appointed as ambassador to Australia in March 2024.
What led to the investigation into the Marine's death?
The military investigation concluded that senior Marine leadership may have shown occupational negligence resulting in the death.
Who else was indicted alongside Yoon Suk Yeol?
Five other former officials, including Cho Tae-yong and Park Sung-jae, were indicted for their roles in the incident.
What is the current status of Yoon Suk Yeol?
Yoon is currently on trial for his actions related to a failed martial law initiative and is facing further indictments.
