On the morning of the 11th, the special prosecutor investigating the death of Marine Sergeant Chae Soo-geun conducted a search at former President Yoon Suk-yeol's home. The special prosecutor is also conducting searches at the residences of former National Intelligence Service Chief Jo Tae-yong and People Power Party lawmaker Lim Jong-deuk, who was the second deputy director of the National Intelligence Service under the Yoon Suk-yeol government, among about 10 locations related to the 'VIP anger theory.'
That day at around 12:17 p.m., the special prosecutor reported to the press corps, stating, 'The search at Yoon Suk-yeol's home (Acruvista) has been completed, and the list of seized items is being provided.' They attempted to enter Yoon Suk-yeol's residence at Acruvista in Seocho District, Seoul, at around 9 a.m. on charges of abuse of power, but could not get inside. It is reported that the search could only proceed after consulting with legal counsel as the former president was in custody on the 10th. Following consultations with his legal counsel, the search was carried out.
The special prosecutor is also conducting searches at about 10 locations related to the VIP anger theory, including the residences of former National Intelligence Service Chief Jo Tae-yong and People Power Party lawmaker Lim Jong-deuk. Former Chief Jo attended a presidential office meeting in July 2023, where former President Yoon Suk-yeol was said to have been angry. Lawmaker Lim Jong-deuk was the second deputy director of the National Security Office at that time.
The special prosecutor is investigating allegations that individuals, including former President Yoon Suk-yeol, exerted external pressure to alter the results of the investigation into the death of Marine Sergeant Chae Soo-geun, which occurred in July 2023, related to the VIP anger theory.
The VIP anger theory alleges that during a presidential office meeting on July 31, 2023, Yoon Suk-yeol became enraged after being informed by the Marine Corps investigation team that manslaughter charges were to be applied to former Marine Division Commander Lim Seong-geun, who was the unit leader of the late Sergeant Chae Soo-geun. He subsequently called then-Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop, expressing his anger, saying, 'If this is punished, who can serve as division commander?'
On the 10th, the special prosecutor conducted searches at around 10 places, including the Ministry of National Defense, the Marine Corps Headquarters, and the National Security Office, related to the VIP anger theory allegations.
Meanwhile, at 3 p.m. that day, the special prosecutor plans to summon former National Security Office Vice Administrator Kim Tae-hyo for questioning. It is reported that the special prosecutor considers Kim a key suspect in the allegations of external pressure on the investigation.