It has been confirmed that the Marine Corps special investigation team has imposed a travel ban on former National Security Office Vice Administrator Kim Tae-hyo.
The special investigation team stated on the 22nd that former Vice Administrator Kim is under a travel ban. He is facing allegations of abuse of authority in relation to the 'VIP rage theory' suspicion.
Former Vice Administrator Kim is evaluated as a key figure in the foreign affairs and security of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. The VIP rage theory alleges that former President Yoon became enraged after receiving a report on the initial investigation results of the Marine Corps member's death during a National Security Office meeting around 11 a.m. on July 31, 2023, and pressured the investigation.
As the charge of 'negligent homicide in the performance of duties' was applied to eight individuals, including former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Seong-geun, President Yoon reportedly expressed anger, saying, 'If a division commander is punished for such an issue, who would be able to serve as a division commander in Korea?'
Earlier, former Vice Administrator Kim dismissed the question of whether former President Yoon was enraged during the meeting on July 31 when he appeared before the National Assembly's operation committee last July, stating, 'He never became angry.' When asked why he did not protest to the media that reported the rage theory, he replied, 'When something is too ridiculous, I don't answer.'