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A former commander of the 1st Marine Division, Im Seong-geun, has been accused of “lobbying for survival” in relation to a case involving Lee Jong-ho, the previous head of Blackpearl Invest. Lee, who is currently in custody, recently provided a handwritten statement from prison stating, “The special counsel investigating the death of a Marine warned, ‘If you don’t testify about former Commander Im, we will look into how you accumulated your wealth.’” In addition to this case, Lee has also been charged and detained by the special counsel team looking into former first lady Kim Keon-hee for alleged violations of the Attorney Act.

Lee stated, “The special counsel randomly looked into people I had business or financial connections with, warning, ‘If you don’t testify about my illegal actions, you will also face consequences.’” He further mentioned, “Seven different investigations concerning me are currently taking place. I am considering giving the testimony they desire and getting out of this situation.” His statements imply that the special counsel tried to pressure associates into incriminating him in order to survive.

A member of the special counsel’s team, who is looking into the death of a Marine, called the accusations “one-sided statements with no basis.” The team argues that because there is a strong chance Lee was involved in lobbying for survival in return for financial gains, examining his financial records is essential.

Ongoing disputes regarding coercive and unrelated investigations remain within the special counsel team examining former first lady Kim Keon-hee. To date, the team has detained 14 people, with more than half facing charges related to cases that are not directly connected to Kim. Recently, an official from Yangpyeong County, who was being investigated over claims of favoritism in the development of the Yangpyeong Gongheung District, passed away, raising concerns about the use of coercive investigative methods. In a handwritten note left following the special counsel’s interrogation, the official stated, “I am tired and struggling because of the continuous persuasion and pressure from the special counsel.”

In reply, the special counsel team probing former first lady Kim Keon-hee said, “We are carrying out an audit-level review and will thoroughly reassess our investigative procedures.” Nevertheless, legal experts wonder, “Can a self-audit reveal the facts?”