Special Investigation Team Tightens Probe in Sergeant Chae’s Death Case
The special investigative team looking into Sergeant Chae’s death and subsequent cover-up allegations has seized the phone of prosecutor Park Chul-wan, known to be the cousin of Im Seong-geun, the former 1st Marine Division commander. The team found that Park had been in close contact with Im several times during the investigation. Park’s mobile device was obtained during the investigation.
During a briefing on the 25th, Assistant Special Prosecutor Jeong Min-young stated, “We have secured Prosecutor Park’s phone, as he communicated closely with former Commander Im during the investigation of Sergeant Chae’s death.”
In July of last year, during a congressional hearing related to a petition for the impeachment of then-President Yoon Suk-yeol, texts were discovered showing Im seeking legal advice from Park. Park explained that he only advised on phone disclosure and testimonial oath.
Assistant Special Prosecutor Jeong added, “Im is currently not cooperating with the investigation by refusing to provide his phone’s password. However, we have accessed some information stored on his phone, including parts of the conversation with Prosecutor Park.”
He further explained, “Based on new evidence, we deemed it necessary to seize Park’s phone, made our case in court, and obtained a warrant. Although communication itself isn’t a crime, multiple contacts were made during that time.”
Park’s home and office were not included in this search. The special investigative team plans to summon Park after the analysis of the seized materials to verify the nature of discussions he had with former Commander Im.