Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun’s team, investigating the allegations of external pressure in the investigation of a deceased marine incident, summoned former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop today (25th) for questioning.
Former Minister Lee appeared at the Seocho Special Prosecutor’s Office for the deceased marine case at 9:54 a.m. When asked by reporters about former President Yoon Seok-yeol’s comments saying, “What if they all get implicated?” he briefly responded, “I will undergo the questioning properly.”
In response to being asked if he interpreted the President’s reprimand as a directive to remove former Division Commander Lim Seong-geun from being a suspect, Lee strongly denied it, stating, “That is absolutely not the case.”
Today’s questioning marks the second summons for Lee regarding the allegations of external pressure. Previously, on the 23rd, he was summoned as a suspect for questioning. During the first investigation on the 23rd, Lee reportedly stated that he recalled former President Yoon commenting, “What if they all get implicated?” after being briefed on the marine investigation team’s preliminary results.
At the time of the deceased marine incident in July 2023, Lee was the Defense Minister and directly communicated with former President Yoon, who is at the center of the external pressure allegations. It was revealed that Lee overturned the initial investigation approval by the marine investigation team immediately after his call with former President Yoon, leading to him being identified as a key figure in clarifying the so-called ‘VIP rage rumor’ and external pressure allegations.
While Lee had previously denied the rage rumor, he admitted in a statement submitted to the special prosecutor in July that he received a phone call from former President Yoon regarding Sergeant Chae’s case right after the VIP rage meeting.
In a regular briefing yesterday, Special Prosecutor Jeong Min-young stated that the questioning of former Minister Lee is scheduled for today, tomorrow (26th), and the 28th. Once the investigation with Lee is concluded, the special prosecutor plans to start probing former President Yoon, who is at the center of the external pressure allegations.
[Photo source: Yonhap News]
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