On the 11th, it was confirmed that the special investigation team for the deceased Marine is conducting a search of former National Intelligence Service Director Jo Tae-yong's residence.
The special investigation team stated that they are searching Jo’s residence in connection with allegations of external pressure on the investigation of the deceased Marine.
The special investigation team is looking into allegations of 'VIP rage theory,' which claim that figures including former President Yoon Suk-yeol applied pressure to change the results of the investigation into the death of Corporal Chae Soo-geun, who passed away in July 2023.
After receiving a report on the investigation results at a meeting in the presidential office at 11 a.m. on July 31, 2023, former President Yoon became furious, and it was alleged that former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop suddenly directed a media briefing and ordered the suspension of police transfer.
Former Director Jo was also reportedly included as a target of the search, as he attended the meeting of the presidential office's chief secretaries as the then National Security Advisor. The special investigation team is reportedly investigating allegations that former Director Jo conveyed instructions from former President Yoon to former defense secretary Lim Gi-hoon.