On the 2nd, the Special Prosecutor's Office for the Fallen Marine summoned former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun for questioning.
Former Division Commander Lim is the commander of the late Corporal Choi Soo-geun, who died after being swept away by strong currents while searching for missing persons in Yecheon County, North Gyeongsang Province, in July 2023. He is facing allegations, including professional negligence resulting in death, for issuing directives for underwater searches that contributed to Corporal Choi's death.
Former Division Commander Lim arrived at the Special Prosecutor's Office for the Fallen Marine in Seocho-dong, Seoul, around 1:30 p.m. that day, stating, "I will earnestly cooperate with the investigation today," and expressed his hope that "the special prosecutor will clarify everything so that the truth can emerge again."
Former Division Commander Lim stated, "I feel a moral responsibility as the division commander of the original unit regarding Corporal Choi's death," but added, "I did not give a directive to enter the water, and I understand that I have no legal responsibility since I had no operational control at that time."
The Special Prosecutor's Office for the Fallen Marine is expected to investigate allegations of professional negligence resulting in death against former Division Commander Lim, as well as suspicions regarding life-saving efforts.
Previously, the Special Prosecutor's Office for the Fallen Marine held a plaque ceremony that morning and officially commenced the investigation. From the very first day of the investigation, they called in former Division Commander Lim, who is a key suspect.