On the 4th, the special investigation team probing the death of a Marine conducted a search and seizure of former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop in connection with suspicions surrounding his appointment as ambassador to Australia, targeting former Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Security Jang Ho-jin.
The special investigation team noted that they are searching former Minister Cho and former Deputy Minister Jang. The search also included their vehicles.
The special investigation team has been investigating the suspicions regarding former Minister Lee's appointment as ambassador to Australia. Former Minister Lee has faced 'fleeing suspicions' after being appointed ambassador to Australia while being a suspect in the investigation into the death of the late Corporal Chae Soo-geun.
At that time, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials had placed a travel ban on former Minister Lee. However, during the process of his appointment as ambassador to Australia and departure, the Ministry of Justice accepted his appeal, leading to the lifting of the travel ban.
Meanwhile, the special investigation team is expected to examine the process of former Minister Lee's appointment as ambassador to Australia and the lifting of the travel ban based on the materials secured that day.