"Lawful Initial Investigation… Abuse of Prosecution Rights Judgment"

The Special Investigation Team led by Lee Myung-hyun, which is investigating the allegations of external pressure in the death of Corporal Cha, has decided to withdraw its appeal against the charges of insubordination against former Marine Corps Investigation Division Chief Park Jeong-hoon (Colonel).

On the morning of the 9th, in the Special Prosecutor's Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Special Prosecutor Lee stated, "After comprehensive review of the original ruling, objective evidence, and the validity of the reasons for appeal, we have decided to withdraw the appeal against Colonel Park Jeong-hoon."

The Special Prosecutor emphasized, "Colonel Park's actions in conducting the initial investigation as the chief of the Marine Corps investigation unit and transferring the case records to the police were lawful acts in accordance with the law," and added, "The indictment by the Ministry of National Defense's prosecution office for this was an abuse of prosecution rights."

"Maintaining the Appeal is Irresponsible"

The Special Prosecutor stated, "In a situation where a not guilty verdict has already been issued in the first trial, maintaining the prosecution for insubordination against Colonel Park is not a responsible attitude for the Special Prosecutor's Office."

He continued, "At this stage, it is difficult to elaborate on the grounds for judgment, but I am confident that anyone will understand the decision to withdraw the appeal in light of future investigation results," and added, "The Special Prosecutor's Office will continue to do its best in the investigation of the Corporal Cha case."

The Special Investigation Team plans to submit the appeal withdrawal document concerning Colonel Park to the court in the morning. Upon receipt, the litigation process will terminate, and the not guilty verdict from the first trial will be confirmed.

"Commander’s Order is Unjustified"

Previously, Colonel Park was indicted on charges of insubordination for failing to follow the commander’s order to withhold records related to the allegations of negligent homicide against former Division Commander Lim Seong-geun and others in the Marine Corps leadership.

However, the first military court ruled, "The commander did not have the authority to order the cessation of the transfer, and the order was unjustified," and acquitted him. Afterward, the military prosecution appealed, and the case is currently under review at the Seoul High Court.

The Special Investigation Team, which received the matter from the military prosecution on the 2nd, has been responsible for maintaining the indictment on the case, but with the withdrawal decision made, Colonel Park's not guilty status is expected to be confirmed.

Image Source: Colonel Park Jeong-hoon, News1, Lee Myung-hyun Special Prosecutor / News1