The special investigation team for the deceased Marine confirmed on the 13th that it conducted a search and seizure of the home of Song Ho-jong, a friend of former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun and a member of the Marine Corps alumni Kakao group 'Cool Marine,' on the 12th.
Former Division Commander Lim was the head of the department to which Marine Cha Su-gun belonged, who died in the line of duty in 2023. Yoon Suk-yeol, the former president, was enraged after receiving a report from the Marine Corps investigation team that Lim should be held accountable for Cha's death; however, later investigations found Lim not guilty, leading to speculation that a VIP was involved in the anger.
The special investigation team reportedly searched Song Ho-jong's residence for about three hours starting at around 9 p.m. the previous day. The investigators seized Song's smartphone, computer, and notebooks. It is also known that the list of congratulatory gifts for Song's child's wedding was among the items targeted for seizure. The search warrant reportedly cited Song as a witness regarding the lobbying allegations to exonerate former Division Commander Lim.
Song is said to be a former Marine and has worked at the Presidential Security Service. Reports indicate that he is one of the members of the Kakao group 'Cool Marine.' The group reportedly includes Song, Lee Jong-ho, the former representative of Black Pearl Investment who managed the account of Kim Keon-hee, lawyer Kim Kyu-hyun, serving police officer Choi, and businessman Choi.
The special investigation team is investigating allegations that Lee Jong-ho, a member of the 'Cool Marine' group, attempted to prevent former Division Commander Lim's resignation by leveraging his friendship with Kim Keon-hee. The special investigation team searched Lee's home and vehicle on the 10th.