Special Counsel Charges Ex-Marine Commander Lim for Negligence

Investigation into the Death of Corporal Chae Soo-geun

The special counsel team has taken significant steps in investigating the death of Corporal Chae Soo-geun, a Marine who died while on duty. The former commander of the 1st Marine Division, Lim Seong-geun, was detained and indicted on charges of professional negligence resulting in death and violation of military law. This marks 131 days since the special counsel was launched on July 2 of last year and 2 years and 4 months since Corporal Chae’s death in the line of duty in July 2023.

Referral of Additional Individuals for Trial

In addition to Lim Seong-geun, the special counsel referred four other individuals to trial. These include former 7th Brigade Commander Park Sang-hyun, former Commander of the 11th Artillery Battalion Choi Jin-kyu, and former Commander of the 7th Artillery Battalion Lee Yong-min. All were part of the 1st Marine Division at the time of the incident.

Assistant Special Counsel Jeong Min-young highlighted during a press briefing that Lim’s illegal and excessive search orders constituted professional negligence and directly contributed to Corporal Chae’s death. According to the investigation, Lim and other Marine Corps officials ordered an underwater search during a missing person operation in flood-affected areas of Yecheon County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on July 19, 2023. This led to Corporal Chae being swept away by a strong current and dying. Additionally, they are accused of causing psychological harm to Sergeant Lee, who was rescued after falling into the water at the same time.

Violation of Military Law

Lim is also accused of violating military law by actively ordering a grid search pattern despite the operational control authority having been transferred to the Army’s 50th Division at the time. This action involved issuing orders without proper authorization, which further complicates the case.

Extensive Investigations and Evidence Collection

The special counsel has summoned over 80 victims and witnesses and conducted direct investigations at the site of the line-of-duty death and key Marine Corps units. Last month, they obtained a bench warrant for Lim, secured his custody, and continued further investigations.

Through these efforts, the special counsel confirmed that Lim was aware that Marines were being deployed into dangerous underwater searches but pressured them to achieve results in the search operation. They also identified that on the day the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency conducted a seizure and search in September 2023, Lim moved photos of Marines conducting underwater searches from his mobile phone to a “secure folder” to conceal them. Assistant Special Counsel Jeong stated, “It appears that Lim moved the photos out of concern that it would be revealed he was aware of the underwater searches.”

Evidence Contradicting Lim’s Claims

The special counsel also secured a recording of a conversation Lim had with former Battalion Commander Lee Yong-min before Corporal Chae’s death, in which he asked, “How far into the water did you instruct them to go?” Lim had consistently denied the charges, claiming, “I never ordered an underwater search” and “The intention was to search along the water’s edge, not underwater.” However, this evidence contradicts his claims.

Attempt to Conceal Evidence and Influence Witnesses

The fact that Lim attempted to persuade accomplices and destroy evidence during the two-year investigation by police and prosecutors after Corporal Chae’s death was also considered in the decision to detain and indict him. Assistant Special Counsel Jeong stated, “There are circumstances indicating that Lim approached individuals investigated by the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency to verify their statements or gained access to investigation details through unknown channels.” He added, “We have further clarified factual relationships not revealed in previous investigations and the necessity of detention.”

Professional Negligence of Other Officials

Meanwhile, the special counsel determined that former Brigade Commander Park, battalion commanders, and company commanders were professionally negligent for relaying and enforcing Lim’s excessive search orders without adequate safety measures.

Exclusion of Certain Individuals from Indictment

The two individuals initially referred by the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency on charges of professional negligence resulting in death—the headquarters company officer of the 7th Artillery Battalion and the logistics officer of the Artillery Brigade—were excluded from the indictment.

Final Statement from the Special Counsel

Assistant Special Counsel Jeong emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “This case is a grave incident in which a 20-year-old youth lost his life while serving in the military.” He added, “Although the circumstances of the accident should have been swiftly clarified, there were continuous pressures from higher-ups, and for nearly two years, no one was indicted until the special counsel took over the case with a heavy sense of responsibility.” He concluded, “The special counsel plans to do our utmost to maintain the prosecution in accordance with the law and principles.”