Amidst mounting concerns, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol finds himself embroiled in a new scandal following the death of a Marine during a rescue operation last July. The marines were dispatched to a flooded rural area without proper safety equipment, including life jackets or buoys.
Reports have surfaced revealing that President Yoon engaged in three phone conversations with former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup on the same day investigators from the Marine Corps sought police involvement in probing the Marine’s death. This revelation has prompted calls from both the Democratic Party and opposition parties for a comprehensive investigation.
The tragic death of Lance Cpl. Chae Su-geun, swept away during a rescue operation after the ground collapsed beneath him, has transformed into a political storm for President Yoon Suk Yeol. Nearly a year later, this incident has not only become an impeachment threat but also heightened concerns about political instability in South Korea, a crucial ally of the United States in the region.
For President Yoon, a former career military officer, this is his first major political crisis since his party’s major defeat in parliamentary elections the previous month. The situation has escalated with allegations of interference in the investigation into Lance Corporal Chae’s death, with accusations that the Defense Ministry whitewashed the probe under pressure from the president.
The political opposition has seized upon these allegations as grounds for further investigation, renewing calls for a special counsel probe bill that President Yoon previously vetoed. Opposition figures have not shied away from mentioning the possibility of impeachment, framing the president’s actions as an abuse of authority and a grave offense.
Additionally, reports revealing President Yoon’s multiple calls to former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup on the day critical investigative records were transferred have fueled suspicions of undue influence and cover-up at the highest levels of leadership.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has yet to directly respond to the allegations and recently vetoed a bill passed by Parliament calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate them. Instead, he has insisted on allowing government agencies like the police and prosecutors to conclude their investigations before considering further action.
However, public sentiment strongly supports the appointment of a special prosecutor, with many South Koreans expressing distrust towards President Yoon and government prosecutors.
Critics of the president argue that while prosecutors have pursued criminal charges against his detractors and journalists accused of spreading misinformation, they have not shown the same diligence in investigating allegations of corruption involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, among other scandals contributing to his recent electoral setback.
In response to President Yoon’s resistance to their demands, the opposition has threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal opposition, emphasized the historical consequences for leaders implicated in corruption and abuse of power, warning the Yoon administration not to overlook these lessons from the past. Meanwhile, a renewed vote on the special prosecutor act failed to pass at the National Assembly session, falling short of the necessary votes for approval by 17.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has expressed condolences over Lance Corporal Chae’s death and criticized the Marines’ operation during the flood but has remained silent on the allegations of exerting illegal pressure.
Public perception of Yoon’s decisions has often been one of mystery and impulsiveness, as noted by Lee Jin-young, an editorial writer at the conservative Dong-A Ilbo. She observed that Yoon’s staff typically lack the courage to challenge his “rage,” leading to repeated scandals and declining approval ratings.
Despite public support for a special prosecutor, Yoon and his party have repeatedly vetoed and blocked the investigation, leading to accusations of using power for personal protection. This resistance has supported his opponents, who now threaten to renew efforts to pass the special counsel bill and even pursue impeachment. Democratic Party lawmakers emphasize the need for clear evidence of criminality before moving forward but acknowledge the growing public sentiment for accountability.
Legal experts argue that a thorough investigation, including at least a written inquiry into President Yoon, is essential to uncovering the truth. The release of phone logs has intensified suspicions of Yoon’s abuse of authority and obstruction of justice. As the evidence mounts, the presidential office faces increasing pressure to address the issue transparently and provide explanations to the public rather than avoiding the matter.
