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2w ago

Ex-NIS Chief Cho Tae-yong Questioned by Special Counsel in Marine Death Inquiry

Prosecutors are examining whether he followed directives from President Yoon to alter the Marine Corps’ 2023 probe into Cpl. Chae Su-geun’s death.

Former National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong arrives at a special counsel team's office in southern Seoul to be questioned as a suspect in the team's investigation into alleged government interference in an initial probe into the death of a Marine in 2023. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Cho Tae-yong appeared at special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon’s office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on July 29 as a suspect in alleged abuse of power tied to the Marine death investigation.
  • Investigators allege he was at a July 31, 2023 meeting where President Yoon Suk Yeol reacted angrily to preliminary findings and later ordered changes to the probe results.
  • The special counsel team raided Cho’s home earlier this month and confiscated his cellphone along with other items for evidence.
  • Prosecutors are scrutinizing how the Marine Corps’ initial inquiry into Cpl. Chae Su-geun’s drowning was reported and potentially manipulated before reaching the president.
  • The inquiry is part of a wider effort by the special counsel to hold senior officials accountable and protect the integrity of military and legal procedures.