Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Team Expected to Indict Im Seong-geun by the 10th... Details of 'Arrest Warrant' Likely to Be Included

The Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Team, led by Lee Myeong-hyeon, plans to indict former 1st Marine Division Commander Im Seong-geun by the 10th, taking into account his detention period. The team is expected to focus the initial indictment on charges of occupational negligence resulting in death or injury and violation of military law orders.
At a regular briefing on the 3rd, Jeong Min-young, spokesperson for the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Team, stated, "We expect to summon former commander Im again for further questioning this week," adding, "Since the detention period ends on the 11th, the indictment must be filed before then, so it will likely be submitted by next Monday, the 10th."
After detaining former commander Im on the 24th of last month, the special prosecutor's team obtained a one-time extension of his detention until the 11th. During questioning following his arrest, Im was investigated for occupational negligence resulting in death or injury and allegations related to rescue lobbying. However, it is reported that he refused to answer questions regarding the negligence charges and only responded to some issues.
The special prosecutor intends to indict Im primarily on the charges of occupational negligence resulting in death or injury and violation of orders, as outlined in the arrest warrant application. Any additional criminal facts that are confirmed will be supplemented through amendments to the indictment. The plan is to proceed with the indictment within the confirmed scope during the detention period.
Previously, former commander Im was accused of ordering an underwater search operation in July 2023 along Naeseong Stream in Yecheon County, Gyeongbuk, without providing life jackets or other safety equipment, resulting in the death of one marine and injury to another. He was also charged with issuing specific instructions despite lacking operational control, which constitutes a violation of military law orders.
The special prosecutor's team is currently coordinating with the defense to schedule questioning of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is at the center of the case. The team maintains its principle of seeking Yoon's in-person testimony and plans to focus the investigation on allegations of external pressure on the investigation and the suspected harboring of a suspect by former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup.
However, with only about four weeks remaining until the investigation period ends on the 28th, time is limited. In particular, the pretrial witness examination of Billy Kim, chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), regarding the lobbying allegations by the Protestant community, is scheduled for the 24th. This leaves a tight schedule to complete the investigation after the examination. The special prosecutor plans to request the court to move up the hearing date.
Additionally, the special prosecutor will summon additional related parties in the remaining period to conclude the investigation into allegations of dereliction of duty and obstruction of investigation involving the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter