SEOUL, South Korea — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on Friday for allegedly attempting to manipulate the investigation into the drowning of Marine Corporal Chae Su-geun, marking another legal blow to the ousted leader. This indictment adds to a series of criminal cases against Yoon, who was removed from office earlier this year following a rebellion charge tied to his controversial martial law decree on December 3, which triggered widespread political unrest. After assuming office in June, President Lee Jae Myung appointed three independent counsels to probe Yoon’s actions, including the imposition of martial law and other allegations involving his associates and family. The latest charges accuse Yoon, his former defense minister, and 10 others of abuse of power, specifically for attempting to alter the investigation report on Chae’s death. Chae died during a search-and-rescue operation for flood victims in 2023. The initial report by the Marine Corps held a division commander and seven others accountable, but Yoon reportedly expressed outrage over the commander’s inclusion. This led to pressure from top presidential and Defense Ministry officials to revise the report, excluding the commander. Assistant Special Counsel Choung Min-young revealed that Park Jung-hun, the head of the Marine Corps’ investigation team, resisted the pressure and forwarded the report to the police. However, Yoon allegedly ordered officials to retrieve the report, dismiss Park, and investigate him for insubordination. Choung emphasized that Park’s investigation adhered to legal principles, while Yoon and his associates systematically abused their power, undermining the fairness and independence of the Marine Corps’ investigation. Yoon, currently in jail, has not commented on the latest indictment but has previously denied all allegations. His ongoing trial for masterminding a rebellion could result in a verdict early next year, with potential penalties ranging from life imprisonment to capital punishment. Earlier this month, Yoon was also indicted for allegedly ordering drone flights over North Korea to provoke military tensions and justify martial law.
New indictment accuses Yoon of manipulating investigation of South Korean marine’s drowning
