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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Former President Yoon Denies All Charges in Corporal Chae Investigation Interference Case

From Hankyoreh · (6m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Former President Yoon Suk-yeol denied all charges related to alleged interference in the investigation of Corporal Chae's death.
  • His defense argued that the 'VIP's rage' theory is baseless and that Yoon had no motive to intervene in the investigation.
  • Yoon stated that any reprimand was directed at his aide, not related to the investigation's outcome, and denied ordering a halt to the investigation's transfer.

The first trial in the alleged interference case surrounding Corporal Chae's death has seen former President Yoon Suk-yeol vehemently deny all accusations. As reported by Hankyoreh, Yoon and other defendants, including former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, appeared in court to face charges of abuse of power.

We fully deny all charges listed in the indictment.

— Yoon Suk-yeol's lawyerDuring the first hearing of the abuse of power trial.

Yoon's defense team has systematically dismantled the prosecution's narrative, particularly the 'VIP's rage' theory, which posits that the former president's anger prompted a directive to alter the investigation's findings. They assert that this theory is unfounded and that Yoon had no personal connection or motive to interfere with the case concerning Lieutenant General Lim Seong-geun.

The so-called 'VIP's rage' theory has no basis in reality.

— Yoon Suk-yeol's lawyerArguing against the prosecution's central claim in the case.

During the proceedings, Yoon himself addressed the 'VIP's rage' allegations, offering a different account. He claimed that if any anger was expressed, it was directed at his then-National Security Advisor, Im Sung-geun, for failing to adequately explain the initial findings of the Marine Corps' investigation. Yoon insisted he was merely seeking clarification as a matter of principle, not attempting to influence the investigation's outcome or halt its transfer.

If I expressed anger, it was towards Im Sung-geun, not the head of the investigation.

— Yoon Suk-yeolExplaining his reaction during a meeting regarding the initial investigation report.

This trial is a significant moment, scrutinizing the actions of the former president and his administration. The defense's strategy focuses on portraying Yoon as a leader seeking procedural clarity rather than engaging in undue influence. The court's proceedings will be closely watched as they unfold, with the defense requesting an acquittal based on the lack of evidence and Yoon's explanation of the events.

I merely pointed out the problems and asked for clarification; I did not issue specific instructions on practical matters.

— Yoon Suk-yeolDenying allegations of direct interference in the investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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