The Marine Corps special prosecutor stated on the 24th, "We have been searching the residences, vehicles, and offices of individuals in the 'Stylish Marine' group chat since about 6 a.m. today." The special prosecutor suspects that the Stylish Marine group chat was a major conduit for lobbying to exonerate Lim Seong-geun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division.
On that day, special prosecutor Jeong Min-young noted, "It is necessary to thoroughly investigate whether the participants in the Stylish Marine group chat were involved in exonerating the former commander," and added, "To do this, it is essential to confirm what conversations the participants had, both during and after the incident."
However, prosecutor Jeong said, "The search and seizure is still ongoing and there are sensitive aspects for the sake of investigative confidentiality," noting, "It's difficult to say how many individuals are subjects of the search and seizure."
The 'exoneration lobbying suspicion' refers to allegations that participants in the Stylish Marine group chat, including Lee Jong-ho, the former representative of Black Pearl Invest and a key figure in the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation case, engaged in lobbying to exonerate the former commander.
The special prosecutor said that they seized a mobile phone and other items from a former Marine surnamed Lee during the morning search. Lee had reported the exoneration lobbying suspicion to the Democratic Party last year but later claimed that the Democratic Party manipulated the tip-off, and has since been representing the former commander and Lee Jong-ho.
Prosecutor Jeong commented on Lee, stating, "Once we analyze the seized mobile phone and other items, I believe we will summon him for questioning."
Additionally, the special prosecutor submitted copies of confiscated items obtained from former National Security Office head Cho Tae-yong to the insurrection special prosecutor. They also submitted copies of mobile phones and USBs seized from former representative Lee Jong-ho to Kim Keon-hee.
Former Director Cho became a target of the special prosecutor's search while clarifying the 'VIP anger theory'. It is alleged that former President Yoon was enraged after receiving a report on the investigation results of the death of Chae Hae-byeong during a senior secretary meeting at the Presidential Office on July 31, 2023, at 11 a.m., prompting former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seob to suddenly direct a media briefing and postpone police referral. Cho is reported to have attended that meeting.