On the 18th, the special investigation team for the deceased Marine asserted, "We confirmed circumstances connecting former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun and those around him to the presidential office through various channels for a lobbying effort to rescue Lim."
Special investigator Jeong Min-young held a briefing at the special investigation office in Seocho District, Seoul, that morning and said, "We are conducting searches and seizures targeting individuals who appear to require verification among those who contacted these people at critical junctures of the case."
The special investigation team launched searches early that morning in connection with the allegations of lobbying for former Commander Lim, targeting Lim's residence, the residence of People Power Party Representative Lee Cheol-kyu, his office at the National Assembly Member's Hall, and Far East Broadcasting Company.
Special investigator Jeong stated, "Representative Lee has secured phone call records and messages exchanged during the incident in 2023 as a witness," adding, "We are currently conducting searches because we believe there are parts of that information that require verification."
Meanwhile, former Commander Lim is facing allegations (of professional negligence resulting in death) for deploying Marines in a search operation for missing persons due to heavy rain damages in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, in July 2023, without providing life jackets, ropes, or other safety equipment, which resulted in the death of one member.